Šaljić calls on KS Government: Citizens must not be hostages to your court proceedings, adopt measures due to air pollution

(Patria) - As a Member of Parliament, I call on the Government of Sarajevo Canton, as well as the relevant ministry, to issue an order with a plan of intervention measures in case of excessive air pollution in Sarajevo Canton! Any further delay in adopting this decision is unacceptable and harmful, said Jasmin Šaljić, a Member of Parliament for the Party of BiH in the KS Assembly.

"Thanks to the media who report daily on air pollution and warn citizens of all ages about the harmfulness of the particles we inhale, but citizens also expect a reaction from institutions. The Ministry of Communal Economy, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning and Environmental Protection must react urgently with a warning, recommendations, guidelines, or simply by 'issuing an order!'

The lack of reaction from the competent ministry is linked to the Prosecutor's Office investigation and the extension of detention for Minister Bojan Bošnjak. The entire government is not in detention! Citizens cannot be hostages; there are deputies, secretaries in the ministry, and finally, the Prime Minister Uk himself can issue this order," Šaljić points out.

He adds that the situation is extremely alarming.

"Our city is one of the most polluted in the world with particles in the air that directly damage the health of citizens. Urgent action by all institutions is required by order and recommendations of the Government of Sarajevo Canton," Šaljić emphasizes and lists possible measures:

- prohibit traffic for heavy motor vehicles weighing over 3.5 tons on the main city longitudinal route Nedžarići - Baščaršija, except for public transport vehicles and utility companies, find an alternative route.

- prohibit movement in Zone A for cars and trucks whose engines do not have the European Euro standard.

- ensure the flow of motor vehicles without prolonged stops at main city intersections.

- intensify the supervision of the technical condition of vehicles.

- prohibit outdoor construction work that produces dust emissions.

- postpone the start of working hours, depending on the possibilities, in order to relieve the capacity of public transport and city roads.

- prohibit outdoor sports activities in the sense of the Law on Sports of Sarajevo Canton, in order to prevent endangering or worsening the health of athletes.

- prohibit children from staying outdoors outside the school building during breaks, as well as holding physical education classes in schoolyards.

- ensure the protection of workers working outdoors (postmen, police officers, utility workers, etc.)

- warn risk groups of the population to reduce movement and time spent outdoors.

"These are just some of the proposed measures; the relevant ministry and the Government of Sarajevo Canton have a whole set of measures at their disposal that require financial and all other institutional support," Šaljić concluded.