Actual expropriation figures on the Mostar jug – Kvanj tunnel section

(Patria) - Regarding articles published on some portals, stating that residents of settlements whose properties are crossed by the route of the future highway on the Mostar jug – Kvanj tunnel section are dissatisfied, and that the local population, especially returnees, are endangered and their future in this area is very uncertain, JP Autoceste FBiH issues a statement in which we wish to inform the public about the actual figures from the field during the expropriation process.

The spatial plan of the area of special features of significance for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, "Highway on Corridor Vc", has determined the route for the continuation of construction in the south, i.e., the Mostar jug – Kvanj tunnel section, and by the decision of the Government of FBiH from 12.12.2018, public interest was established as a prerequisite for initiating the expropriation process.

The expropriation process is conducted by the Municipality, and JP Autoceste FBiH is only one party in that process. The valuation is carried out by experts in construction, traffic, and agricultural professions appointed by the Municipality.

Out of a total of 377 parcels designated for expropriation, a total of 217 have been fully amicably acquired so far (proceedings are underway for another 160 parcels). Out of a total of 229 expropriation cases, 147 or 64% of cases have been amicably resolved. Of the 229 expropriation decisions required, 177 or 77% have been issued by May of this year, and a total of 52 expropriation decisions are still pending, which need to be issued by the City of Mostar (the process has been slowed down due to the pandemic).

On the route of the future Mostar jug – Kvanj tunnel highway section, out of a total of 229 expropriation cases, six parties oppose the construction of the highway, which statistically accounts for 2.62%. In the cadastral municipality of Ortiješ (covering the settlements of Ortiješ and Lakševine), out of 94 expropriation cases, 71 cases have been resolved. We note here that none of the resolved cases have been sent to court for decision due to disputes over compensation for expropriated land (offered valuation).

So far, KM 7,411,965.70 has been spent on land acquisition on this section. From all the presented data, we can see that the majority of citizens whose properties are crossed by the future highway route do not oppose the construction, while a small number of dissatisfied citizens are being exploited by individuals whose primary goal is to slow down the construction of the highway in the Herzegovina region.