ZDK Government: We are working for the future, investment value exceeds one billion KM

(Patria) - The Government of Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDK) achieved significant results in the past year, while the achievements in two years of mandate confirm stable, responsible and development-oriented governance of the Canton, stated ZDK Prime Minister Nezir Pivić at today's annual press conference.

- The two years of mandate behind us show that we are fully implementing the strategic guidelines and programmatic priorities we set. The result of this is better security, higher quality education, a stronger economy, and an improved healthcare system today - emphasized Pivić.

He pointed out that the achieved results are the fruit of teamwork and unity within the Government.

- We are a team and we act as a team. From the first day of the ZDK Government's work, we have had excellent mutual communication and cooperation, and we have settled all financial obligations properly and on time - said Pivić.



A special focus during the year was on security. The budget of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was 91.2 million KM, an increase of 18 million KM compared to the previous year.

Police officers have been equipped with new uniforms, modernized weapons, and armored vehicles, and ZDK has become the first canton in BiH to acquire a helicopter.

- The helicopter will serve the Civil Protection, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the health sector, thereby further strengthening the readiness of institutions in crisis situations - emphasized the Prime Minister.

During the year, the process of strengthening the police force continued, with the employment of new officers and a competition for the recruitment of another 195 police officers and junior inspectors.

Healthcare was one of the Government's key priorities. Energy efficiency projects were launched at the Cantonal Hospital Zenica, the construction of a new hospital worth around 500 million KM began, and funds were allocated for the education of doctors.

More than 20 million KM were invested in education, sports, and student standards.

- For the second year in a row, we have provided free textbooks for all primary school students and significantly invested in schools, scholarships, and sports - emphasized the Prime Minister.

A total of 2,880 scholarships were awarded, while about five million KM were allocated for student accommodation and standards. A total of 5.15 million KM was allocated for sports.

When it comes to the economy, ZDK records extremely positive economic indicators. According to Prime Minister Pivić, the value of ongoing investments exceeds one billion convertible marks, and their full effect is yet to be realized.



ZDK achieved an export-import coverage of 106.7 percent, an industrial production index of 109.9, and a 38.3 percent growth in the number of foreign tourists. The economy was further supported through over 12 million KM in incentives, while agriculture saw a record budget of 6.59 million KM.

In the field of environmental protection, a Register of Household Stoves was created as a basis for a project to replace them with co-financing from citizens.

Social policy remained a focus of the Government's work. 49 million KM were allocated for maternity benefits, while over 34,500 pensioners received a one-time aid of 100 KM for the first time, as did over 11,000 demobilized soldiers. More than 22.8 million KM were allocated for the care of the veteran population.

Concluding his address, Pivić emphasized that the ZDK Government remains focused on working in the interest of citizens.

- We are working for the future. We do not dwell on obstacles, which mostly come from other levels of government, but rather find ways to be useful to citizens and to do the best we can - added Pivić.