Following the news about the dirty state of Sarajevo, where overflowing bins and garbage cans are found on every corner of the city, which completely spoil the image of the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the question arises as to who is responsible for this situation – the authorities, individuals, municipal companies, or everyone together? The Minister of Communal Economy of Canton Sarajevo (CS) announces the possible establishment of municipal police.
It’s the peak of the tourist season, with many festivals, events, and a large number of tourists, however, a frequent sight on the streets is overflowing dumpsters and trash cans. Citizens are not satisfied with the cleanliness but do not place the responsibility solely on the authorities.
“The city is not clean enough. It’s mostly about the city’s cleanliness, but it’s also on us, the citizens, who don’t take care,” “As far as the city is concerned, it could be much cleaner, and it would be better for everyone, and we also need to be careful, preserve, not litter everywhere,” “As a child, I remember, it was a long time ago, and now the sound of the hose cleaning the streets and the trucks constantly passing. I haven’t seen that in many, many years,” “Well, it’s up to the citizens, but I think the authorities can do more,” are the opinions of Sarajevo citizens.
Depending on the time of day, in the busiest pedestrian street, Ferhadija, the cleanliness of public spaces varies. The biggest problem is noticed in the evening when trash often has to be placed next to, and on top of, overflowing trash cans.
“Trucks from the Cantonal Public Utility Company “RAD” come after midnight and collect the trash, and come again approximately around 5:30 a.m. During the day, in two shifts, 12 people are exclusively engaged in servicing the baskets in that pedestrian zone,” said Mirza Ramic, spokesman for the company.
There are no issues with machinery and manpower, they add from the municipal company. Additionally, the relevant ministry says that the cleanliness situation in the city is improving, but they still announce the introduction of municipal police.
“If our cleaning actions, constant calls to maintain general, public cleanliness at a quality level do not bear fruit in the scope and quantities we want, we will have to take measures. For a long time within the cantonal administration, there has been talk about a so-called municipal police. A legal solution has been prepared and it will soon go to the government and the assembly,” said Bojan Bosnjak, Minister of Communal Economy of CS.
Whether municipal police are the solution for irresponsible citizens and workers remains to be seen. Until then, it seems that every summer we will have the same problem and receive the same complaints unless we change our awareness that the responsibility for preserving the environment lies with all of us, N1 writes.
Photo: illustration
E.Dz.
