Nenadić and Nelson: Centralized procurement system via UNDP yielded excellent results

(Patria) - Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Mario Nenadić spoke by phone today with the Ambassador of the United States of America to BiH, Erik Nelson, about the current situation in Sarajevo Canton. On this occasion, he informed the ambassador that there are currently 70 people positive for coronavirus in Sarajevo, and four have, unfortunately, died. He also briefed him on the functioning of quarantine and the possibilities for its expansion, as well as isolation facilities, and the procurement of medical and protective equipment.

The ambassador and the prime minister agreed that the model they jointly agreed upon, concerning the establishment of a centralized procurement system via UNDP, yielded excellent results.

"This method of delivery is sufficiently efficient, economical, and transparent. The Government of Sarajevo Canton, together with UNDP, found a good model to multiply its resources, so that on its invested money, UNDP offers a portion of its funds, thereby multiplying those resources," emphasized Prime Minister Nenadić.

During the telephone conversation, Ambassador Nelson inquired about the improvement of primary healthcare, as well as economic and other activities being carried out in Sarajevo Canton. The prime minister informed him that short-term measures have been taken for the month of March, all with the aim of stabilizing the number of registered unemployed persons, which stands at 1,813 from March 18, 2020, to today.

"We are working with entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in this process to improve the situation in this area. First, in terms of stopping layoffs, and a plan of medium-term measures is being prepared, which will be developed in relation to the measures taken by the Government of the Federation of BiH, but depending on the results of the Public Call that the competent Ministry of Economy is currently implementing," announced Prime Minister Nenadić.

Activities will continue with representatives of municipalities, the City, entrepreneurs, and representatives of the Economic and Social Council and trade unions to bring the situation during and after the crisis under control. The ambassador emphasized that it is evident how responsibly and diligently the Government of Sarajevo Canton is doing its job, as shown by the results compared to other parts of BiH. In his opinion, good measures are being taken and the number of tests has significantly increased since the beginning of the pandemic. According to him, one of the key challenges is the distribution of aid, as well as the establishment of transparent and measurable criteria for assistance to all those in need.

It was agreed to continue regular communication at the highest level between the Embassy of the United States of America in BiH and Sarajevo Canton.