The end of January marks the completion of Phase 1 infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving safety conditions at four designated military storage facilities located in Krupa, Kula, Rabić, and Teufik Buza.
In Krupa, structures were outfitted with new windows and roofing, while walls and ceilings received structural reinforcement. Where necessary, buildings received new facades in order to improve insulation. Further, in an effort to maximize climate conditions within storage facilities, drainage and ventilation systems were completely reconstructed.
Similarly, all Zone 1 facilities in Kula were equipped with new ventilation systems, featuring new concrete casings for exterior ventilation ducts. Additionally, the frontal reinforced concrete walls of all storage facilities were reconstructed in order to boost structural integrity. In Zone 2, the construction of access ramps and reconstruction of the gravel road will improve overall accessibility. Zone 2 further received a new water pumping station.
Meanwhile in Rabić, various administrative and guard facilities, in addition to a weapons storage facility, were reconstructed with upgrades to the facilities’ safety features.
In Teufik Buza, improvements featured the construction of a new heating system for administrative and guard facilities, which included the reconstruction of the boiler room intended to improve the occupational safety of the guards. The primary drainage system near the weapons storage and guard facilities was also reconstructed. Certain storage facilities were supplied with new electrical installations, such as fuse boxes.
With an estimated cost of 780,000 BAM, these upgrades serve as a major contribution in the ongoing efforts to prevent uncontrolled and accidental explosions at storage sites. Structural improvements further serve as a safety measure by decreasing the opportunity for ammunition and SALW deterioration that leads to explosion. As Phase 1 activities, which began in September of 2014, draw to a close, preparations for Phase 2 are underway. Set to launch in March and last until September 2015, the second round of infrastructure upgrades will expand upon Phase 1 enhancements with a projected budget of BAM 1,000,000. Funds for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 upgrades were provided by the European Union.
by Tracy Trachsler
(Source: UNDP)
