Kafedžić: There is a network of institutions, people, and policies that give and take money for construction projects

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Office for Combating Corruption and Quality Management of Sarajevo Canton held a press conference today on the topic: “Corruption in the field of construction and spatial planning in Sarajevo Canton“. A trailer was shown for the educational and informational video material titled “By Whose Measure?“, initiated and produced by the Office, with the help and support of the Embassy of the United States of America in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim of pointing out irregularities and corruption risks, which the Office has noticed and identified during the processing of received corruption reports in this area, with a special emphasis on the impact these irregularities have on the quality of life of the citizens of Sarajevo Canton, i.e., on the environment and natural resources.

Head of the Office, Erduan Kafedžić, stated that the number of reports to the Office has increased and that citizens are increasingly reporting corruption in the field of construction and spatial planning.

"The KS Assembly adopted a conclusion in January to undertake all activities to stop corruption in the area of issuing building permits," said Kafedžić.

"A certain number of cases have been submitted to the KS Prosecutor's Office, and we expect potential criminal liability to be investigated. There is a connection between investors and political entities that make decisions in the field of spatial planning. Investors with capital from BiH or abroad appear, investors unite, and then they engage people from BiH who open a large number of companies dealing with construction and real estate sales. There is an entire network of institutions and people involved in the process. Then money is given, money reaches political parties. Part of that money is returned as capital for starting new businesses. That is why it is important to have published registers of assets of public office holders to monitor their assets. The Office will publish a register of business entities that have companies for this activity. Through this register, we will obtain valuable information," said Kafedžić.

He stated that these are significant cases and that the activities have been ongoing for more than a year.

"The Office is limited by its jurisdiction, and I call on the competent institutions to monitor these companies. Often, a low initial capital of the company appears, while the investments are huge. Who are the related persons, who are the related companies. This, in my opinion, is the most important anti-corruption project that should protect our country," he said.

Kafedžić confirmed that through their research, they have obtained information about which political parties are financed by construction companies, but they cannot speak about the details. He emphasized that a large number of foreign investors have received permits to build in the first water protection zone.

"Within one municipality, dozens of officials were illegally hired without any competition; they were promoted. Wherever we dug, we found shocking data. When you appear on a mountain, you don't know if you are on a mountain or in some urban city. We want to preserve resources and the environment for future generations," said Kafedžić.

Eric Nelson, the US Ambassador, stated that the Office has the full support of the Embassy.

“I am pleased that the international community has also provided support. The work of the Office is critical to providing any hope in BiH's fight against corruption, which is a cancer for democracy. In BiH, we do not see prosecutors who are ready to take on this duty. This office is a very serious actor in the fight against corruption. This is a problem we see and generate, a leading reason for the brain drain that seriously threatens BiH. We see weak rule of law, and because of this, BiH is at the bottom and lags behind its neighbors. The ability to investigate corruption is not a problem; the Office is there not only to uncover corruption but also to show how corruption destroys the future of citizens. They are constantly under pressure and threat. The work of the Office is a model worth replicating in other parts of BiH. This office is not just for show; this is a legitimate fight against corruption. While some would like you to fail, many citizens want to see your success,” said Nelson.

Johann Sattler, Head of the EU Delegation to BiH, stated that the latest EC report noted that the Office is continuously progressing and that transparency standards have been achieved, including registers of salaries, employees, and procurements.

"BiH leaders have failed to fight corruption; instead, they are doing everything to stagnate it. Building permits are corruption risks," Sattler emphasized.

Head of the OSCE Mission in BiH, Katleen Kavalec, stressed that corruption comes in many forms, but it is most often an abuse of power.

"We all know that officials can receive money, gifts, and look the other way, allowing certain individuals to profit. The authorities in KS have the tools to address these challenges. Officials are there not to profit but to represent public interests. We want to strengthen the links between anti-corruption bodies," said Kavalec.

Ambassador of Great Britain, Matt Field, stated that corruption hinders progress and deters investment.

"Corruption in the public sector harms citizens. Despite lucrative earnings from corrupt activities, I am convinced that in the end, corruption will prove to be unprofitable. The results presented today send a message that this is not the end but a long-term process in which all actors, including the police and prosecutor's offices, must show perseverance for the benefit of the citizens," said Field.