Agreements Signed for Transfer of 2.8 Million KM for Road Infrastructure Projects in Zenica-Doboj Canton

(Patria) - Agreements on the transfer of funds to cities and municipalities in the Zenica-Doboj Canton for the implementation of road infrastructure projects were signed at the Government headquarters today. Funds in the total amount of 2,800,000 KM were allocated through a public call by the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Traffic and Communications and Environmental Protection – Cantonal Road Directorate of Zenica-Doboj Canton.

Agreements with mayors, municipal heads, and representatives of local communities were signed by the director of the Cantonal Road Directorate, part of the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Traffic and Communications and Environmental Protection of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Nandino Škrbić.

– The Government of the Zenica-Doboj Canton operates on the principles of transparency, and all funds we distribute to local communities are allocated through a public call. Representatives of local communities delegate projects they consider important. In this way, we jointly implement strategic projects throughout the canton. We will continue this practice next year, with planned allocation of significant funds – stated Prime Minister Nezir Pivić.

Minister of Spatial Planning, Traffic and Communications and Environmental Protection Adnan Šabani emphasized that these are projects being implemented at the local level. Except for Doboj Jug and Usora, which delegated one project each, all other municipalities and cities received support for two projects each.

– The funds are not intended exclusively for tourist destinations, but also for local roads of importance to municipalities and cities. The City of Zenica received the largest amount – almost half a million convertible marks, of which 400,000 KM is intended for the continuation of the phased renovation and asphalting of the local road to the Smetovi Sports and Recreation Tourist Area – said Minister Šabani.

Mayor of Visoko Mirza Ganić said that a significant number of projects in his local community are financed by the Canton, for which he thanked the Government representatives.

The City of Visoko was approved for two projects. 145,000 KM has been allocated for the reconstruction of the road through the Ozrakovići industrial zone and the renovation of Kadije Uvejsa and Bosne Srebrene streets.

An additional 80,000 KM has been allocated for the renovation of a section of the road in the Hlapčevići settlement.

Ganić emphasized that today's signing of agreements is the result of a broader road construction project leading to the Ozrakovići Business Zone, which is important for the City of Visoko from both an economic and infrastructural perspective, as “that road also represents an exit from the City of Visoko”. The total value of the project is around 1.5 million KM.

Mayor of Kakanj Municipality Mirnes Bajtarević stated that the Municipality applied for projects to reconstruct Branilaca Street in the city center, as well as a section of the road to the Ponijeri picnic area, where the only ski resort in Zenica-Doboj Canton is located.

– We continue to invest in the development of tourism offerings. This is a road that we must build to improve the quality of tourist infrastructure and attract visitors from other local communities during the winter period – said Bajtarević.

Mayor of Žepče Municipality Mato Zovko pointed out that infrastructure projects in that municipality are ready for implementation, and that “close cooperation between cantonal and municipal authorities” is key to their execution, which is becoming more concrete every year. An agreement was signed for the reconstruction of three roads: in the local communities of Željezno Polje, Begov Han, and Orlovik Street in the suburban settlement of Preko.
Zovko announced the swift implementation of the allocated funds and a new application for the public call next year.

Prime Minister Nezir Pivić emphasized that, despite a significant increase in salaries for more than 9,000 budget employees, the Zenica-Doboj Canton Government is ending this budget year without debt, which confirms that “budget funds are managed responsibly”.

He added that he would like to see a similar approach at higher levels of government, reminding that the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina allocated 275 million KM for road infrastructure to lower levels of government – from which Zenica-Doboj Canton was excluded.

– We have a different, honest approach. We invite all municipalities and cities to participate in public calls and delegate projects, because they best know the needs of the citizens. I am satisfied with the cooperation with the representatives of local communities – concluded Prime Minister Pivić.