Scandalous: Budget funds only renovate western Mostar, eastern part needs nothing

The budget of the City of Mostar for 2015, adopted in May by Mayor Ljubo Bešlić with his closest associates, amounts to 51,187,289 KM and, although it is 5.5 million KM less than last year's, this does not mean that there will be no significant infrastructure projects this year, writes Večernji.ba, as reported by the Patria news agency.

Streets, kindergartens, clinics

For capital expenditures by city areas, this year's budget allocates 3,584,373 marks, which is significantly less compared to last year's budget where this item was set at 8,851,375 marks. However, funds from projects not realized last year, amounting to 8,675,275 marks under this item, have been carried over to this year.

Along with road infrastructure, whose projects have been discussed earlier, and some have already been completed or are in the implementation phase, this year's budget also includes new ones, which are significantly fewer. However, if all these projects are completed by the end of this year as planned, Mostar will shine with new splendor.

In addition to road reconstructions, the arrangement of parks and neighborhoods in several local communities within the city area is planned. The budget also allocates funds for the renovation of many primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, and clinics.

Work on the sidewalk in Kralja Tvrtka Street is nearing completion, and besides the street gaining a well-maintained promenade, the renovation has also given Mostar its first properly arranged bicycle path.

After the completion of the sidewalk renovation in this street, the continuation of reconstruction is planned for Kralja Tomislava Street in the part at the old Velež playground. From this year's budget funds, regarding road infrastructure, 90,000 KM is allocated for the construction of a street and lighting after the primary sewerage network works in Franjevačka Street, from the church to Balinovac, which has been in very poor condition for years and significantly marred the city's image. Numerous works are also planned for this year to address stormwater drainage issues.

Renovation of schools and parks

This year's budget plans the renovation of the School of Economics, which includes the school hall, then the hall and boiler room of the Elementary School "Braća Šimić" - I. Elementary School, the reconstruction of the yard and playground of Ivan Gundulić Elementary School, for which 20,000 marks are allocated, plus another 20,000 marks carried over from last year's budget for the school renovation.

Renovation of the clinic and kindergarten in Buna is also planned, as well as their equipping. Regarding parks, funds are allocated for the memorial park in Balinovac, Crna Street, Ante Starčevića Street, near the kindergarten in Centar II, and the memorial park in Rudnik. Paving of paths in Zrinjevac Park is also planned. The budget for 2015 also allocates funds for the preparation of project documentation for the interchange at the northern entrance to the city, which has been one of the more problematic traffic points for years.