Citizens of Stolac appeal to the FBiH Government due to ecological crisis: Urgently close the illegal Badanj landfill

(Patria) - Citizens of Stolac have addressed the Government of the Federation of BiH and Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić with a request for urgent action regarding the ecological crisis caused by the existence of an illegal city landfill. The landfill is located only about fifty meters from the Bregava River and in the immediate vicinity of the national monument of BiH – the Badanj cave.

According to confirmation from the Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Environment of HNK, this landfill does not have an environmental permit and operates contrary to the law. In addition to directly endangering the environment, agriculture, and tourism, the problem is further exacerbated by illegal gravel excavation nearby, which has devastated the bed of the Bregava River.

Citizens have repeatedly tried to talk to local authorities, but the city administration refuses dialogue and problem-solving. Given that the competent institutions have not taken appropriate measures, citizens have appealed to the FBiH Government with requests for: urgent closure of the illegal landfill, initiating discussions about its relocation, finding a legally acceptable location for waste disposal, protection of the Bregava River, agriculture, and the Badanj national monument.

Citizens of Stolac say they place their hope in the Government of the Federation of BiH, and call on the Prime Minister and government members to visit Stolac, assess the situation on the ground, and help protect citizens' rights to a healthy environment.