On Thursday, a contract was signed in Jablanica with 50 households that, in cooperation with Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Municipality of Jablanica, will receive assistance for the reconstruction of homes damaged in last year’s floods.
Today’s event is part of a wider campaign in which the Islamic community, thanks to the contributions of believers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora, collected more than 5.5 million BAM for the repair of damages in Jablanica, Konjic, Fojnica and Kiseljak, reports the MINA agency.
Director of the Office for Social Care of Rijaset Islamic Community Ibrahim-ef. Malanović reminded that this action was launched immediately after the floods in October last year, at the behest and invitation of reisul-ulema Husein-ef. Kavazović that the Islamic community should be with its people.
“Today we signed contracts with 50 families in Donja Jablanica. The help was agreed in cooperation with the Municipality of Jablanica, and the total value is 1,065,000 BAM. In addition, the construction of three more houses is planned, so the total investment in Donja Jablanica will amount to about 2.5 million BAM,” said the executive, adding that half a million BAM is left for the reconstruction of the mosque in this place.
In Buturović Polje, he added, the construction of eight houses worth 2.5 million BAM is underway, and the funds from the campaign will also be used to help the areas of Fojnica and Kiseljak, in the amount of close to half a million BAM.
“We expect that, God willing, we will hand over the keys to users in Buturović Polje by the end of this year, so that they can welcome the winter in their new homes,” Malanović emphasized.
The head of the Jablanica Municipality, Emir Muratović, confirmed that it is about co-financing 50 percent of the damage per household, according to the estimates of the competent municipal services.
“Today, we are implementing a project worth more than one million BAM, which represents a great support for our citizens. Through this example, the Islamic community has shown what it means to be with the people when it is most difficult. We also expect the completion of the construction of new houses, which will raise the total value of the aid in Jablanica to more than two million BAM”, Muratović pointed out.
Chief imam of the Majlis of the Islamic Community (MIZ) Jablanica Ekrem-ef. Hodžić said that this is an important moment for all the victims’ families and expressed gratitude that the Islamic community continues to act responsibly and systematically.
“We have been with our congregation since the first day. We visited the area immediately after the floods and, as was said then, we will first rebuild the houses and then the mosque. I am happy that this day has come and that help is reaching those who need it the most,” said Effendi Hodžić.
Merhamet, which is the technical partner in the project, confirmed that all donations collected for the flooded areas were transparently directed.
Director Kenan Vrbanjac said that construction and renovation of facilities are also underway in other settlements.
“We are already building eight houses in Buturović Polje, and the construction of three houses in the Zlate settlement is planned. The assistance we provide is concrete, immediate and completely focused on where it is needed most,” said Vrbanjac.
The beneficiaries themselves point out that the Islamic Community is the first to offer such concrete support.
“I suffered from the floods, we returned to the house and tried to rebuild it ourselves. This help means everything to us,” said Haris Begović from Donja Jablanica.
“When everyone gave up, the Islamic Community came. Its help will mean a lot to us for the reconstruction and return to our houses,” said Elvedin Ahmetspahić.
In the upcoming period, as announced, the start of the renovation of the mosque in Donja Jablanica is planned.
Currently, work is underway to prepare a study on the condition of the building and develop a project, and the Riyaset of the Islamic Community has confirmed that all collected funds will be invested in accordance with the goals of the campaign.
Photo: MINA
