Novalić, Uk and Lagumdžija signed Memorandum on improving the prison system in FBiH

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - A Memorandum of Understanding on the reconstruction of a part of the building housing the Sarajevo Penal Correctional Facility (Miljacka facility) was signed today in Sarajevo, for the needs of expanding the Cantonal and Municipal Courts in Sarajevo.

The Memorandum was signed by the Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH Fadil Novalić, the Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Nihad Uk, and the President of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of BiH Halil Lagumdžija.

The document specifies the cooperation between the federal and cantonal governments, and the HJPC of BiH, on improving the prison system in the Federation.

This concerns ensuring the conditions for the implementation of the projects for the construction of the new KPZ Miljacka at the Igman - Blažuj location, and improving the working conditions of the Cantonal and Municipal Courts in Sarajevo through the reconstruction of the Palace of Justice building in Sarajevo.

This confirms the joint commitment that the construction and reconstruction of judicial institution buildings in BiH is one of the strategic priorities.

Photo: KS Government

The signed memorandum defines that the Government of the Federation, after the relocation of KPZ Miljacka from a part of the facility in Branilaca Sarajeva street, will hand over these premises to the Cantonal and Municipal Courts in Sarajevo by July 1st of this year, for whose needs they will be reconstructed and adapted.

Also, the Government of the FBiH will provide funds in the federal budget for the completion of the construction and equipping of the new KPZ Miljacka complex at the Igman - Blažuj location, and obtain a use permit upon completion of construction.

It is also specified that the Federal Government will provide funds for the temporary relocation of all detainees and prisoners to other penal correctional facilities in the FBiH, as well as the management of KPZ to another location, until the construction of this KPZ is completed.

It will also provide funds for the work of the FBiH Court Police on the activities of this relocation, as well as all other activities that need to be carried out during the reconstruction and adaptation of the part of the Palace of Justice building.

The KS Government, as stated in the Memorandum, has the task of providing funds for the procurement and equipping of the building with office furniture and ICT equipment after the completion of the works, as well as for the current maintenance of the reconstructed facility, including the premises used by the Court Police.

After the completion of the works, the KS Government should undertake all necessary activities with the aim of obtaining a use permit.

The HJPC of BiH will coordinate the activities of the signatory parties involved in the implementation of this project, as well as all activities on behalf of the courts.

Also, the HJPC, with funds from the Government of Norway, has provided for the preparation of project documentation, which includes detailed plans and technical specifications, as well as legally required reports, and in cooperation with the courts, has also prepared a space allocation plan in the Palace of Justice in Sarajevo.