Novi Travnik is officially cleared of mines

(Patria) - With a ceremony held in the City Administration hall, Novi Travnik has officially been declared a mine-free city.

This marks the end of a long-standing process of removing the mine threat that, since the end of hostilities, has posed a serious risk to the safety of citizens and the development of the city.

The area of Novi Travnik was burdened with a total of 5.3 square kilometers of suspected mine-affected area.

The consequences of this situation were tragic. Since 1996, 15 mine accidents and incidents have been recorded, resulting in fatalities and serious and minor injuries.

Mayor Stjepan Dujo thanked everyone who participated in the demining process, the US Embassy, BHMAC, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and all organizations, as well as the deminers who contributed.

- In Novi Travnik, we are closing one chapter of our history and removing the shackles that have held us back for three decades.

However, I cannot shake the impression that 15 lives were destroyed or permanently marked due to mines; that is an extremely painful fact.

One life is too many, because that one life was someone's entire world. I am sorry it took so long for this problem to become a thing of the past - said Dujo.

He added that the mine threat had been a daily challenge for the citizens and development projects of the city for years.

- We recently had to relocate a project of significance for a local community because it was located in close proximity to a minefield. That was constant pressure under which we lived and worked - said Dujo.

Enis Horozović, Director of BHMAC, stated that this day is of immense importance for the people of Novi Travnik.

- Today, we can say that the land that was contaminated has been returned to the citizens for use. With this, we have moved closer to our goal - a mine-free Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In Novi Travnik, 40 clearance and technical survey projects have been realized, along with two large MSP projects - said Horozović.

Daniel Koski, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, also spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing that mine clearance has a significant economic impact in addition to its security benefits.

He particularly highlighted the importance of Novi Travnik in the realization of the Southern Interconnection project, adding that this success confirms the strength of the partnership between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On behalf of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mijo Pranjić addressed the attendees, stating that the process was not easy, but its result is a safer life for the residents of Novi Travnik.

At the end of the ceremony, Koski and Horozović symbolically presented a certificate to the City of Novi Travnik and Mayor Stjepan Dujo, while the mayor presented a certificate of appreciation to the US Embassy in BiH and the American people for their long-term support in the demining process.