Nikšić: The Government has already launched activities to save jobs

Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH Nermin Nikšić spoke today with the Vice-President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) András Simor about the consequences of the floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the ways in which this international financial institution can help in repairing the damage, it was announced, reports the BiH news agency Patria (NAP).

Prime Minister Nikšić informed the guest about the available findings so far on the extent of the damage from floods and landslides in the Federation of BiH.

- The catastrophe that has struck us is reflected not only in floods but also in landslides after the water receded. It is not yet possible to do anything on these landslides, as almost daily rains threaten their reactivation - said the Prime Minister.

The assessment of the damage is yet to come, but it can already be stated that it is enormous. It is primarily reflected in a large number of unusable residential buildings that will not be possible to renovate because they are located on landslides. Also, there are many damaged houses that will need to be made habitable again. Therefore, one of the most urgent tasks is to provide accommodation for people who have lost their homes.

- Numerous agricultural farms have also suffered. The number of livestock that died is huge, and one of the priorities at the moment is the removal of these carcasses, as well as disinfection, disinsection, and deratization to prevent infections. In addition, agricultural farms need to be repaired through the procurement of seed material suitable for sowing at this time of year. Farmers also need to be provided with machinery and fuel - added Nikšić.

The FBiH Government, as Nikšić states, has already launched activities to save jobs and companies affected by the floods. The goal is their revitalization without layoffs.

Road and rail infrastructure were damaged in the floods and landslides. The biggest problem remains the impassable road between Maglaj and Doboj. Rail traffic has been restored and made operational for the needs of supplying large companies, thanks to superhuman efforts.

Nikšić and Simor discussed the possibility of redirecting funds from several existing EBRD credit arrangements for the urgent needs of repairing the consequences of the natural disaster. This would not increase the existing debt, and the funds would be operational much faster than when concluding new credit arrangements. The activation of new credit lines for damage repair was also discussed.

András Simor identified several areas where the EBRD could help, such as communication infrastructure, electricity supply, and agricultural revitalization. These are areas that, as he explained, fit within the mandate and capabilities of the EBRD.

The Vice-President of the EBRD expressed his condolences for those who lost their lives in the floods, but also for the entire tragedy that has struck Bosnia and Herzegovina.