Mayor Hadžibajrić in conversation with citizens and business owners: Respect the measures, protect yourselves and others

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Mayor of Stari Grad Municipality, Mr. Ibrahim Hadžibajrić, visited the streets of the inner city core today, where he spoke with citizens and business entities operating in this area. Due to the worsened epidemiological situation in Sarajevo Canton, as well as the fact that inspection supervision has been intensified precisely in Stari Grad, Mayor Hadžibajrić discussed with business owners the way they operate during the coronavirus pandemic and how much they adhere to the prescribed measures.

Although the visits were not announced, in all facilities visited by the municipal mayor today, it was evident that employees, customers, and guests were wearing protective masks and observing social distancing. The coronavirus pandemic has significantly affected business operations in Stari Grad, so a renewed closure of facilities is not an option to be considered.

“We must adhere to the prescribed measures and thus protect ourselves and others. Masks, hygiene, and distance are something that must become our routine and way of life until we overcome the coronavirus. I do not want our business owners to pay enormous fines for not complying with the measures and to close their businesses. That is why I appeal to both business owners and citizens to be responsible, to respect the measures, and to try, as much as possible, to live and work normally,” said Mayor Hadžibajrić.

He added that a serious consideration must be given to the new school year as soon as possible and guidelines for conducting classes must be adopted.

“It is our obligation to take responsibility for the education of our children even in these difficult circumstances. We must find a way to provide maximum protection for children, but without denying them knowledge and education. September is just around the corner, and we must learn how to live with the coronavirus and how children can acquire the knowledge they need,” said Hadžibajrić.

The state of the economy in Stari Grad remains equally difficult, as tourism, on which business owners rely during the season, has almost ceased to exist. This was confirmed in a conversation with Mayor Hadžibajrić by Mirza Karačić, the owner of a children's clothing store in Ferhadija.

“Stari Grad is currently the most affected by the coronavirus. We lived off tourism, and tourism is now at zero. We haven't seen a foreign tourist since January this year. I was a bit surprised by the Canton's decision... they made some kind of selection again. Some businesses received 50,000 KM, and I, as a business owner, received not a single fening, not even what I am entitled to by law,” said Karačić.

“The only ones who helped us here were the Municipality of Stari Grad and Mayor Hadžibajrić, who exempted us from paying rent,” he added.

In catering establishments, cafes, and coffee-pastry shops, a smaller number of guests is noticeable, but, at least from what could be seen today, social distancing is being observed among guests. They confirmed that the inspection is carrying out supervision, but as long as the prescribed measures are respected, they have no problems with their operations. The same applies to the retail store DM, which operates in Ferhadija.

“We are trying our best to comply with the measures; all customers must wear masks in the facility, and hand and shoe disinfection is carried out at the entrance,” they confirmed at the store.

Mayor Hadžibajrić was accompanied during today's tour by the Assistant Mayor for Civil Protection, Lejla Dizdarević, the Assistant Mayor for Public Relations, Almedina Porča, and Alija Svraka, urban planning and construction inspector, by authorization.