Mayor Memić Hands Out Phone Credit to Migrants

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Mayor of Ilidža Municipality, Prof. Dr. Senaid Memić, distributed phone credit amounting to 15 KM each to a total of 650 migrants staying at the migrant center in Blažuj on January 31st. The idea to donate phone credit to migrants came after considering what migrants need most at this moment, given that they are separated from their families.

"They started a journey, and they don't know how far it will take them. We calculated what would be most humane, because everyone has families, and their biggest expense is phone bills. Therefore, within our modest means, more symbolically than making a big difference, we decided to give 15 KM to each of them, 650 of them. We don't think we've solved their worries, but I think we've done a small thing that needed to be done," stated Mayor Memić.

According to him, hundreds of migrants have been staying at this location for two months.

"We expected that all sorts of things could happen, considering their number, behavior, status, or intentions. But we are very surprised that there are only a small number of problems caused by individuals. Nothing has gone in a bad direction," said Mayor Memić, adding that he has good cooperation with IOM.

One of the migrants from Afghanistan said that the donation from the Municipality of Ilidža in the form of phone credit is a great move.

"This is excellent because many don't have money to buy credit, and we all want to communicate with our families. However, we also have Wi-Fi here. It's much better than before. We have three meals a day, new toilets and bathrooms, clothes and shoes, new beds and bedding. We have everything we need. My dream is to move to one of the EU countries in the spring."