The meeting provided key information for all relevant actors in order to prepare the ground for the first activities within the project, which will begin in the coming weeks, the EU Delegation in BiH announced.
They remind that during her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina in October 2024, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced that the EU will allocate 20 million euros to support communities affected by the catastrophic floods that hit Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier that month.
This aid, it was pointed out, will be implemented through a two-and-a-half-year project implemented by UNDP and IOM, entitled “EU flood recovery support project in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
The project represents an urgent intervention aimed at remediating the damage caused by last year’s natural disaster in southern and central Bosnia and Herzegovina. The disaster affected numerous municipalities, with Jablanica suffering the most in terms of human losses and material damage. Floods and landslides caused loss of life and destroyed residential buildings, infrastructure, public institutions, local economy and agriculture, according to the statement.
The “EU flood recovery support project in Bosnia and Herzegovina” aims to provide permanent housing solutions and economic recovery support for people affected by floods and landslides through the construction and renovation of housing units and the renovation of key public services and infrastructure. Also, the project will provide support to agricultural producers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the revitalization of their economic activities.
Samir Agić, Assistant Minister of Security of BiH for Protection and Rescue, supported all projects that contribute to the recovery of local communities.
“The fact that international partners – the European Union, UNDP and IOM – provide support with full determination in solving problems faced by citizens and institutions, from the local to the national level, is particularly significant. I am convinced that this and other projects will , contribute to the fastest possible recovery of all local communities,” said Minister Agić.
Emir Muratović, the mayor of Jablanica, expressed gratitude on behalf of the local community, stressing the importance of international support in rebuilding and building a more resilient future.
“This initiative brings hope and practical support to our people. We are grateful to the EU, UNDP and IOM for being with us at this crucial moment,” he said.
Stefano Ellero, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that the scenes they witnessed in October last year were heartbreaking.
“Through this project, we are committed to supporting the affected communities to begin to recover from this terrible tragedy. Activities will begin soon, and our partners (UNDP and IOM) will work closely with local communities to provide citizens with priority assistance as transparently as possible. and a more efficient way,” said Ellero.
In order to ensure the highest level of transparency and fairness in the process, the selection of beneficiaries of housing solutions will be guided by a unique set of criteria and selection methodology developed through the project. In the coming period, a public call will be published for the identification of beneficiaries for the renovation and (re)construction of residential buildings. The invitation will be promoted through various channels, including the media, municipal websites and representatives of local communities. The invitation will contain key information such as eligibility criteria, details of the application and selection process, locations for collection and submission of applications and relevant instructions for applicants.
Victor Munteanu, deputy resident representative of UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that today’s meeting represents a significant step towards the recovery and long-term development of communities affected by devastating floods.
“By combining the expertise of UNDP and IOM with the generous support of the European Union, we provide not only a roof over our heads, but also hope for a better future. Through the reconstruction of homes, public services and businesses, we strive to empower communities and ensure their sustainable recovery,” he said. is.
Michael O’Mahony, deputy head of the IOM mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, believes that the destruction caused by the floods in October 2024 highlighted the urgent need for coordinated recovery efforts.
“With the generous support of the European Union, IOM and UNDP teams were among the first to arrive in the affected areas, helping municipalities and households, while offering their expert advice in this crucial period. Now, in cooperation with UNDP and our local partners, IOM focuses on providing long-term support to affected populations through rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening livelihoods and economic prosperity, and building the resilience of communities to protect against future disasters.Together we will ensure that recovery is inclusive and fair, offering people the support they need to rebuild their lives,” O’Mahony said.
The project represents a joint effort of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNDP and IOM in providing support to communities affected by disasters and strengthening their long-term resilience, according to the statement.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
