The Bosnia and Herzegovina Red Cross Society officially opened the renovated part of its central warehouse in Sarajevo today, following the completion of works on the rehabilitation and replacement of the roof, the installation of new window frames and the renovation of office premises in the left wing of the building.
The works, worth a total of 174,602.08 BAM, were financed by the Government of Italy, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) within the project “Bosnia and Herzegovina: Strengthening Local Capacity for Disaster Preparedness and Response”.
The official handover ceremony was held at the central warehouse of the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, in the presence of Sarah Eti Castellani, Ambassador of Italy to Bosnia and Herzegovina, W. David Womble, Head of the IOM Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina with coordination functions for the Western Balkans, Namik Hodžić, Secretary General of the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Rasema Obralija and Sandra Knežević from the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The renovation of the warehouse represents an important investment in the operational readiness of the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a central location for the storage and distribution of humanitarian aid, this facility plays a key role in responding to emergencies, natural disasters and other crisis situations.
The improved storage conditions and renovated office space will enable the Red Cross/Cross to have more efficient logistics, faster response and better coordination in providing support to vulnerable communities across the country.
“This support is of great importance to the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also to the communities we serve. The central warehouse is a vital part of our humanitarian response system. The repaired roof, new window frames and renovated office space will further improve our ability to store, manage and distribute humanitarian aid quickly and safely when it is needed most. We are grateful to the Government of Italy, AICS and IOM for their continued partnership and support,” said the Secretary General of the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Namik Hodžić.
Addressing those present at the ceremony, the Ambassador of Italy to Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarah Eti Castellani highlighted Italy’s long-term commitment to disaster risk reduction and strengthening institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy remains a committed partner of Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening disaster preparedness, community resilience and the capacity of first responders. By supporting concrete interventions that deliver visible results, such as the rehabilitation of this warehouse, we are investing in prevention, preparedness and stronger institutions. This cooperation is a clear example of our shared commitment to building safer and more resilient communities – said Ambassador Castellani.
The rehabilitation of the warehouse is part of a broader effort to improve disaster preparedness and response capacities across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project is being implemented in 21 local communities in both entities and the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim of strengthening the capacity of civil protection authorities, first responders and humanitarian actors to act quickly and effectively in crisis situations.
IOM Head of Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina W. David Womble stressed the importance of investing in preparedness before emergencies occur.
“IOM is proud to implement this project with the generous support of the Government of Italy through AICS, and in close partnership with the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina, civil protection authorities and local communities across the country. This cooperation shows what can be achieved when international partners and local institutions work together towards a common goal – building more resilient communities and strengthening preparedness for future emergencies,” said Womble.
After the official addresses, a symbolic handover was held by unveiling a donor plaque on the wall of the warehouse, followed by a tour of the renovated facility.
Representatives of the DCK BiH presented the operational improvements made possible by the work carried out.
IOM, AICS and the Embassy of Italy on this occasion continue to reaffirm their joint commitment to cooperation and strengthening the long-term resilience of communities, IOM announced.
