Hadžibajrić: From tomorrow, we will allocate 500,000 KM for aid to pensioners, new mothers, and reduce rents

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Mayor and Commander of the Municipal Civil Protection Headquarters, Ibrahim Hadžibajrić, convened an extraordinary session of the headquarters today due to the emergency situation caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus and the undertaking of urgent measures and activities.

“We must be aware of the situation and the extent to which it affects our municipality and our citizens. It is our obligation to bear part of the burden in this situation and, as a local community, to help the most vulnerable,
ease the business operations of economic entities, and prevent layoffs,” with these words, Hadžibajrić opened today’s extraordinary session.

The Municipal Civil Protection Headquarters then considered proposals on how to help the most vulnerable categories of the population, namely pensioners, new mothers, and the socially vulnerable. At the same time, it was considered how to enable businessmen in Stari Grad to operate more easily and cope with the consequences of the economic crisis due to the coronavirus. It was emphasized that the municipality of Stari Grad is a local community that largely lives from tourism, and that the consequences due to the problems caused by the coronavirus in tourism will be significant. For this reason, the Municipal Civil Protection Headquarters of Stari Grad unanimously accepted the proposals of the municipal mayor and commander of the headquarters to allocate funds in the amount of 500,000 KM for aid to vulnerable categories.

“The Service for Veterans' and Disabled Veterans' Affairs and Social Protection, based on its records, will compile lists of the most vulnerable categories of the population: pensioners, new mothers, veterans, and other socially vulnerable individuals, and they will be given one-time cash benefits for the purpose of purchasing disinfectants, medicines, and food. This conclusion comes into effect on the day it is adopted, and the competent service will immediately undertake the necessary activities for the distribution of funds,” said Hadžibajrić.

“In order to support the operations of economic entities and prevent layoffs, the Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo, starting today, is reducing the rent for business premises, public areas, and advertisements by 50%, with the exception of the banking sector, which is estimated to continue operating as usual. This decision will be in effect until April 30, 2020, after which the situation will be re-examined and a decision will be made in accordance with the situation on the ground,” Hadžibajrić announced.

Also, the Municipality of Stari Grad is limiting the operating hours of all catering facilities in Stari Grad to 10:00 PM starting today, and police officers of the First Police Administration - Stari Grad Police Station will be responsible for monitoring the situation on the ground, issuing warnings and fines to those who do not comply.

At the same time, the Municipality appeals to citizens, especially parents whose children are exempt from regular classes, to behave responsibly and in accordance with the given recommendations regarding gatherings in public places, including catering facilities. The Service for General and Inspection Affairs of the Municipality of Stari Grad will regularly conduct inspections of public areas and monitor compliance with measures and recommendations. At the same time, in order to facilitate the business operations of economic entities that have been issued misdemeanor orders by the municipal inspectorate before the competent courts, the Municipality will seek to reduce fines to the minimum possible amount. All these measures are being taken to overcome the current situation, to help vulnerable categories and economic entities. At the same time, citizens are urged to comply with all prescribed measures and activities in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus, and not to create panic among the population, given that all necessary measures are being taken.