Minister Hurtić visits Ključ Municipality: Strengthening local infrastructure and cooperation with the diaspora

(Patria) - Minister of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr. Sevlid Hurtić, is on an official visit to Ključ Municipality today, where he held a working meeting with the municipality's mayor, Jasmin Musić. During the meeting, they discussed implemented and planned projects, as well as possibilities for further cooperation between the Ministry and the local community aimed at improving the living conditions of citizens.

"It is a pleasure that Ključ Municipality recognizes the importance of partnership with higher levels of government and international organizations. Today we discussed concrete projects that have already been implemented, as well as plans for future activities that will further strengthen this community," said Minister Hurtić.

The mayor of Ključ Municipality, Jasmin Musić, emphasized the importance of the Ministry's support: "I thank Minister Hurtić for his visit and the continuous support he provides to our municipality. We especially appreciate cooperation on projects involving the diaspora and infrastructure, as these are key elements for the development of the local community."

The meeting was also attended by the mayor of Ribnik Municipality, Duško Dakić, with the aim of strengthening inter-entity cooperation and reaching agreements on potential joint projects that would contribute to the development and connectivity of these local communities.
During the talks, possibilities for improving local infrastructure, strengthening institutional cooperation, and supporting projects of importance for all citizens of Ribnik Municipality were considered, with a special emphasis on projects that can be realized in partnership with neighboring municipalities and with the support of state institutions and international organizations.

The mayor of Ribnik Municipality, Duško Dakić, expressed satisfaction with the minister's visit and a willingness for further cooperation.

"I thank Minister Hurtić for coming and for his interest in our municipality. We have a common goal - to create conditions for the stay and return of the population, and I believe that through joint projects and with the support of relevant institutions, we can achieve this."

As part of the visit, Minister Hurtić and Mayor Musić toured the Diaspora Office of Ključ Municipality, opened within the project "Diaspora for Development – D4D," which was financially supported by the Swiss Government, the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in BiH. The establishment of this office is the result of joint efforts and an initiative led by Minister Hurtić himself.

"The diaspora represents a huge potential for the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through projects like 'Diaspora for Development,' we are building bridges between our people abroad and local communities. Ključ Municipality is one example of how these connections can be institutionally strengthened and turned into concrete results," emphasized Minister Hurtić during the tour.

The minister also attended the implementation of the project "Reconstruction of the road in the Ponjir settlement," in the Velagići local community, which involves the reconstruction of a 250-meter-long road. The project value is 40,000 KM. Direct beneficiaries of this project are 18 Roma families, representing an important step towards improving living conditions for members of the Roma community.

"Investments in infrastructure are investments in the dignified life of every person. This project in Ponjir is proof that care for marginalized groups is not just declarative, but concrete and continuous," Hurtić stated.

It is important to note that from 2009 to the present, through Roma housing projects, a total of 460,000 KM has been invested in Ključ Municipality. These funds have been used to build 3 new facilities, reconstruct 30 housing units, while 54 families have been included in infrastructure projects, significantly improving the quality of life for the Roma population in this area.

Minister Hurtić concluded the visit with a message that the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH will continue to remain a strong partner to local communities that show readiness for cooperation and the implementation of sustainable development projects.