Businessmen and Mayor: Tešanj Did Everything to Protect Residents Without Anyone's Help

(Patria) - Regarding the FBiH Government's Decision from Friday, April 3rd, which unfairly distributed 21 million marks to municipalities and cantons, a press conference was held today at the Municipality of Tešanj. Regardless of the fact that the Decision was annulled today, the Mayor of the Municipality Suad Huskić, President of the Municipal Council Senad Subašić, President of the Association of Businessmen Senad Brka, Owner of Hifa oil Izudin Ahmetlić, Owner of MADI Edin Jabandžić, and Representative of AS Group and Klas Sarajevo Rusmir Hrvić addressed the public today at the Municipality of Tešanj.

In today's address, it was particularly emphasized that without waiting for anyone's help, everything possible was done in Tešanj to protect the population, in accordance with the orders of the Federal Civil Protection Headquarters.

Health facilities have been prepared, 106 doctors are available, more than 250 medical technicians, and more than 100 beds for isolation. Over 300,000 marks have been spent on equipping and fighting the coronavirus at the local level, provided by the Municipality and businessmen.

The Municipality of Tešanj has addressed the FBiH Government twice regarding the fight against Covid 19, requesting assistance for the procurement of ventilators, a mobile X-ray machine, and the missing equipment for a laboratory that could perform Covid 19 testing.

"We are surprised and disappointed by the unfair Decision of the FBiH Government. This is not the first time that Tešanj has had bad experiences and felt injustice. In 2019, we were shortchanged 600,000 KM in VAT revenue distribution due to an error by the Federal Ministry of Finance. The decision on the distribution of funds to lower levels of government without criteria has caused injustice, especially now when extraordinary circumstances demand seriousness and professionalism," the address stated today.

At the end of the address, it was requested that:

1. The FBiH Government publicly announce the submitted requests of the municipalities as well as the criteria for the distribution of such funds in 2020, but also in the previous two years, to see what the funds were allocated for.
2. The ZDK Government announce the criteria for the distribution of funds for this and the previous two years.
3. The Municipality of Tešanj has prepared a budget rebalance and a proposal for measures to support the economy.
4. From the COVID crisis so far, a lack of clear coordination and responsibility has been observed. We demand an efficient and responsible system.
5. All orders that are issued, including the Covid law that is being worked on, must have a clearly analyzed economic component. Protecting people's health, but also preserving jobs, are exclusive priorities.

Large business entities, as well as small businesses and crafts, are threatened, and we need a clear and swift reaction and support in preserving jobs.