The Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union, Stefano Ellero, and the Ministry of Justice and Administration of the Sarajevo Canton, Darja Softić Kadenić, in the presence of the Director of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, Halil Lagumdžija, and the Prime Minister of the Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, yesterday officially marked the beginning of construction works on the building that was previously used by the Penitentiary Institute Sarajevo (Miljacka facility). The purpose of this project, which is one of the most important capital projects in Sarajevo Canton, is to expand the spatial capacities of the two largest and busiest courts in Bosnia and Herzegovina – the Municipal and Cantonal Courts in Sarajevo.
The reconstruction of the Sarajevo Cantonal Court and the Sarajevo Municipal Court, worth 3.6 million euros, is a part of the wider European Union assistance package aimed at modernizing the facilities of courts and prosecutor’s offices throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. In question is the comprehensive support of the European Union for strengthening the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“With this project, we once again confirm our determination to help BiH increase the efficiency and professionalism of the judiciary and ensure that the citizens of BiH are provided with adequate judicial services. The EU has provided significant financial support for the renovation and construction of new court buildings and prosecutor’s offices throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, we have provided funds to strengthen information communication systems in all courts and prosecutor’s offices, with continuous support for strengthening the independence and effectiveness of the judicial and prosecutorial system in accordance with European standards,” said Ellero.
Since 2003, the European Union has provided more than 48 million euros in grants for the improvement of buildings in the judicial sector, namely courts, prosecutor’s offices, prisons and detention facilities. So far, 32 buildings of judicial institutions have been built or renovated in 17 cities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Today’s start of the works was preceded by a series of activities that were carried out in cooperation with the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, the Government of the Federation of BiH and the Government of Sarajevo Canton, on the eviction of the Miljacka Prison, obtaining the appropriate permits and the necessary documentation for the reconstruction of the premises used by the Miljacka Prison.
The works are expected to be finished in 12 months, after which the spatial capacity of the aforementioned institutions would be enhanced by around 2900 square metres.
