The Office of the Audit of the Institutions in the Federation of BiH was published by the implementation of the realization of the performance audit “Protection of Rijeka in the Federation of BiH”, from which the recommendations were not fully implemented in 2023. years.
Out of a total of 18 recommendations, only a small part was fully implemented – the most by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, while other institutions have taken part partial or initial activities. Key problems are the absence of amending the Law on Waters, the lack of financial mechanisms for water protection, as well as inefficient inspection supervision.
The report specifically points out that no new Law on Waters were developed, which would specify the obligations of pollutants, ensured adequate inspection mechanisms and clearly prescribed the application of the “polluter pays” principle. Also, effective controls over industrial and communal discharge wastewater is still not introduced, which enables excessive pollution of rivers without sanctions.
Positive shifts were recorded in amendments to the wastewater release regulations, develop plans to improve water management and improving water information system. However, a significant number of measures remains only partially implemented or at an early stage, without concrete results.
Auditors warn that the lack of an efficient legal and institutional basis for the protection of rivers may have serious consequences for the health of the population, environment and obligations to international standards, including the goal of the UN sustainable development number 6 – clean water and sanitary conditions.
The Office for Audit of Calls for the Competent Institutions, especially the FBiH Parliament and the line ministries, to urgently approach the new legal framework and provide conditions for full realization of recommendations.
