Greatest need for construction and seed material

The Riyaset of the Islamic Community has formed an Operational Headquarters that will operate as long as the crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina persists. As stated by Senaid Zajimović, coordinator for donations from humanitarian organizations and distribution of aid in the field, each muftiship and local community has an operational headquarters that is active 24 hours a day, reports the BH News Agency Patria.

Within the main Operational Headquarters, 7 to 10 people work, each responsible for a specific area. A few days ago, an agreement was signed with Merhamet, which will also distribute humanitarian aid.

- We have good infrastructure in the field. As long as it is needed, we will distribute aid. We receive information from the field about who needs what and we try to secure as many donations as possible - said Zajimović.

He emphasized that all those who wish to send aid should contact the Operational Headquarters of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be informed about what is most needed at that moment. But it is important to point out that there is a large number of donors.

- Now there is a need for bedding and some hygiene supplies, but a humanitarian organization from Turkey has promised to send them. We are reaching a stage where we have some items in larger quantities and others in short supply, so we suggest to donors what would be best to donate. Water pumps and air purifiers are needed, and they will be needed for a long time. Also, white goods, stoves, and washing machines, and these are the items that people donate the least - said Zajimović.

The need for animal feed and seeds was also highlighted, based on information collected by the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- We have a problem convincing donors that this is more necessary at this moment than food for the population. A large number of people rely on livestock farming, and this type of aid is now needed. In agreement with humanitarian organizations, we have managed to purchase it and we are sending it tomorrow and on Monday to where it is most needed and where it is possible to re-sow certain crops, and a part has already gone to Janja and Semberija - said Zajimović.

For this purpose, the Islamic Community also allocated 60,000 KM at its last session. Zajimović said that people now need materials for the renovation of houses and apartments the most, but also that there is great interest from people to help, so for this purpose, the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina has opened an account for all donations.

- People need paints and varnishes, lime, everything needed after the flood damage has been repaired. Furniture, all types of furniture, kitchen units, carpentry, construction materials - said Zajimović for Patria.

Given the extensive damage to religious buildings as well, the Vakuf Directorate is tasked with assessing the damage to religious and vakuf (endowment) properties.

- Many cemeteries have been displaced, even bones have appeared in certain places. We have to form new cemeteries. The damage to religious buildings is extensive, but we are preparing a report for reconstruction - said Zajimović.