Lendo: If the government is unable to reconstruct 70 meters of railway, they should step down and thus help the citizens

(Patria) - FBiH Vice President Refik Lendo visited Jablanica today, where he toured areas that suffered the most severe consequences of catastrophic floods.

During the visit, Lendo met with the current Mayor of Jablanica Municipality, Damir Šabanović, and the newly elected Mayor, Emir Muratović. The meetings discussed the consequences of the floods faced by the citizens of Jablanica, and the reconstruction process, primarily of housing and transport infrastructure.

Lendo expressed dissatisfaction with the poor reaction of higher levels of government, whose adequate support for the citizens of Jablanica was lacking.

- The message from the residents of Donja Jablanica that the current situation in that part of the municipality is a "disgrace to the state and the Government of FBiH" speaks volumes about the attitude of these levels of government. The fact that almost a month and a half after the floods, the deposits that covered part of Jablanica have not yet been cleared, and that private companies and humanitarian organizations are currently engaged in this, instead of the Government of FBiH and competent institutions, confirms the justification of these criticisms – said Lendo.

The Vice President of FBiH highlighted the lack of any activities on the reconstruction of the railway line as particularly problematic, which, as he stated, causes enormous financial damage to the Bosnian-Herzegovinian economy.

- Instead of taking responsibility, we are witnessing attempts to shift it from one to another and mutual accusations. In the meantime, Željeznice FBiH loses 280,000 KM every day due to the blockade, while the damage suffered by businessmen whose operations depend on the transport of goods by rail from the Port of Ploče is many times greater. I call on the Government of FBiH to get serious, take responsibility, and fulfill its obligation. If they are unable to reconstruct 70 meters of railway, they should step down and thus help the citizens of FBiH – Lendo stated.

During his stay in Jablanica, Vice President Lendo also spoke with representatives of non-governmental and humanitarian organizations, as well as numerous residents who did not hide their dissatisfaction with the authorities' attitude so far towards the need to repair the consequences of the floods in this municipality.