Premier Pivić in Vareš: Citizens' Health Above All Interests

(Patria) - Premier of the Zenica-Doboj Canton Nezir Pivić, together with Minister of Health Aida Salčinović, Minister of Economy Samir Šibonjić and
Director of the Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica Muamer Mandra, accompanied by the Mayor of Vareš Municipality Malik Rizvanović, yesterday visited the locality of Pržići in the municipality of Vareš where he spoke with representatives of the local communities Pržići, Daštansko and Mir, which gravitate towards the exploitation field of the Rupice mine.

In these localities, elevated concentrations of lead in the blood were found in a number of residents, but without acute symptoms of poisoning. Premier Pivić reiterated the position of the Government of the Zenica-Doboj Canton that health and a clean environment are priorities about which there is no dilemma and that the competent institutions are doing everything to determine the cause of contamination.

– I felt the need and desire to talk to the residents and assure them that the Zenica-Doboj Canton and the competent institutions will put all available mechanisms into full operation in order to possibly eliminate the causes, but also prevent future possibility of contamination – said Premier Nezir Pivić.

Representatives of the three mentioned local communities put forward certain proposals for solving the problem, especially when it comes to ore transport and truck washing. It was stated that the new owner of the mine is already working on the construction of a truck wash that should be operational in the spring, which should reduce dust emissions in the ore transport zone.

Premier Pivić appealed that all issues related to this sensitive topic be resolved through the competent institutions, which have already reacted adequately and will be at disposal until the situation is fully clarified.

– The Institute for Health and Food Safety, the Ministry of Health and all health institutions in the canton are at the disposal of the citizens of Vareš, as well as the entire canton, especially when it comes to this sensitive issue – said Premier Pivić.