Since the end of December last year, when the press conference held in Sarajevo officially ‘put into operation’ the platform ulica.ba., citizens were given the possibility to communicate with municipal departments in a new and simple way and report problems that they face in their local communities.
The Internet platform ulica.ba. is the result of the work of young Association Sredi Svoj Grad, and their first project was recognized by the Embassy of the USA in B&H, and supports its realization through the Democracy Commission Small Grant Program.
On the website of www.ulica.ba, citizens can quickly and easily report problems such as contaminated surfaces, broken street lights, damaged playgrounds and parks, holes in the road, illegally parked cars, etc.
Also, in this way citizens could exchange their impressions about the opportunities in the community with other members of ulica.ba, give their comments and vote on problems, and even organize joint actions with the goal to solve problems. On the other hand, the authorities have the chance to gain a credible picture on the needs of citizens, and in accordance with this solve existing problems. For municipalities, this is a chance to show how to listen to the voice and needs of citizens.
Currently, the platform of ulica.ba has over 60 problems reported from various parts of B&H, but formal cooperation for now has been formed with municipalities Istočno Novo Sarajevo, Istočna Ilidža, Zenica, Bosanska Krupa, and 6 Sarajevo municipalities: Centar, Stari Grad, Novo Sarajevo, Novi Grad, Ilidža and Vogošća.
Selma Mameledžija, project coordinator said that the Association is currently working on media promotion and spreading the word about ulica.ba, and that ‘Sredi Svoj Grad’ has the goal to connect with as many municipalities as it can. ”I would point out the obligation and engagement of municipalities does not imply monetary investment, the demand for human resources is minimal, and results are helpful in several ways”.
In the beginning, it is necessary to register through Facebook profiles or directly on the site ulica.ba, and then share observations and ideas for joint actions with the competent authorities and other citizens, and in this way contribute in creating a better environment.
”It is clear to us that we have a lot of work ahead, because we do not want to merely offer technical possibilities for better communication, but also to encourage citizens to exercise their rights, but also to understand their obligations and to actively take part in the local community”, said Selma.
”We have to be persistent and patient if we wish to contribute to creating good civic habits. On the other hand, with inclusion in these projects, municipalities show that they wish to build quality communication, and specific activities on ulica.ba can show that they are acting in accordance wth the needs of citizens. We believe that an initiative such as ulica.ba contributes to creating fertile ground for organizing joint citizen and local government actions, because in this way a good relationship can be established that is based on mutual trust”, said Association ‘Sredi Svoj Grad’.
(Source: klix.ba)
