The Office of the Government of Republika Srpska in the Brčko District, which resumed operations in 2012, has recently been relocated to a new building. The new facility purchased by the Government of Republika Srpska has sparked public controversy. While the opposition has been arguing for months that the building, bought for BAM 36 million, was overpriced, politicians in Brčko have taken issue with the sign displayed on it.
In mid-last year, the Government of Republika Srpska purchased a nearly 9,000-square-metre building for BAM 36 million. The facility was constructed 17 years ago, was never used, and was originally intended to operate as a hotel. It now houses the Office of the Government of Republika Srpska, a branch of the Tax Administration of Republika Srpska, and the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund office.
Representatives of the Government Office, which is one of the three institutions located in the building, declined to give an on-camera statement. In a brief phone conversation, they said the goal is to improve efficiency and facilitate citizens’ access to institutions, which will now be located in a single building. They also announced plans to host delegations and hold meetings there.
In Brčko, officials say: “We need to have everything.”
While media outlets in recent months have been filled with sharp criticism from the opposition regarding the price paid for the building, local officials in Brčko have not focused on that issue. Instead, they find the sign “Srpska Kuća” (“Serbian House”) displayed on the building to be problematic. Several parties previously described the name as inappropriate and provocative, calling the move deeply offensive.
“We will seek to ease tensions and ensure that the needs and interests of Republika Srpska are met, without this becoming an obstacle for our Bosniak and Croat political partners. We are searching for a solution and expect to find one very soon,” says Sinisa Milic, Mayor of Brčko District.
Authorities in Republika Srpska maintain that the presence of entity institutions in the district is essential.
“I support strengthening institutions of Republika Srpska in the district. There were also many criticisms regarding the facility in East Sarajevo, but now we see that it is necessary and that its construction was fully justified,” said Srdan Mazalica, SNSD MP in the National Assembly of Republika Srpska.
As announced, in addition to housing institutional offices, the entity government will also use the building as a residence. The headquarters of the Port Authority is also expected to be located there.
