CHRISTIAN AID

Successful reconstruction in Derventa and Bosanski Petrovac municipalities

Thanks to the funds provided by the European Commission (ECHO and OBNOVA programmes), the NGO Christian Aid, based in London, has intensified its activities in the municipalities of Derventa (RS) and Bosanski Petrovac (Federation BH). The organization is involved in reconstruction of infrastructure and houses for the returnees. The activities are realized in close co-operation with municipal authorities, OHR, UNHCR, citizens association and other humanitarian organizations.

By Nail Osmancevic

One of the projects for the reconstruction and return to Derventa municipality targets the reconstruction of 42 heavily destroyed houses, according to Ivan Bojanic, Christian Aid project coordinator. The houses are situated in the city as well as in the villages of Bosanski Luzeni, Polje and Begluci. The owners of the houses are Serbs, Croats and Bosniaks. The project is scheduled to finish in June 1999 when the returnees will be able to return to their reconstructed homes. The basic living conditions will be provided to them. The contractor for the works is a company from Derventa so the unemployed workers in the municipality are having the opportunity to work. Total value of the reconstruction works is 800,000 DM.

In the villages of Bosanski Luzani and Polje, apart from the housing reconstruction, the repair of the electricity network is also underway. This valuable project, worth 150,000 DM, is scheduled to finish in June this year. The returnees to Bosanski Luzani and Polje will have two reasons for celebration ­ reconstructed houses and restored power supply.

Houses and infrastructure

The European Commission funds are also allocated to projects in Bosanski Petrovac municipality. Christian Aid is implementing a project for the reconstruction of 108 houses for the returnees of Serb nationality in the villages of Krnjevusa, Bjelaj and Vrtoce. The total value of the project is 2,150,000 DM.

When we visited the aforementioned villages, in May, more than a half of the planned works was completed and a certain number of houses were already occupied. The project schedule foresees end of the works in late July.

As a part of the project the reconstruction of local water supply systems is also being undertaken. This part of the project is valued at 120,000 DM.

It was also decided to invest in repair of the low voltage network in an amount of over 400,000 DM. The electrification of the above mentioned villages is part of the bigger project, worth over 3 million-DM, implemented by CARE and UNOPS.

Stimulating agricultural development

In order for the returnees to stay in their homes the roof over their head is not the only thing they need. Since the returns are taking place mainly in rural areas any kind of help in agricultural items is more than welcome. Therefore it is understandable why the returnees praise the donation given by people from England, valued at 60,000 DM and the donation of Christian Aid of the same amount. The donations are used for of agricultural tools, seeds, fuel, fertilizers etc. The American Government is also assisting with the agricultural support in Derventa municipality.

Moving ahead

The number of returnees to the villages of Krnjevusa, Vrtoca and Bjelaj, Bosanksi Petrovac municipality, grows every day. It may seem unimportant but for the returnees it means a great deal that Christian Aid rents trucks for the transport of the belongings to the reconstructed houses. A Regular line, which operates two times per week, has also been established. This allows Serb DPs to visit Bosanski Petrovac and their villages to see for themselves how the reconstruction is progressing and to help in the works. Journeys are made by Bosniaks as well. Bosniaks, displaced persons in Bosanski Petrovac, want to follow the reconstruction of their homes in the Derventa municipality and to do as much as they can. This is the best way to speed up the two-way return.

Here are three statements given by Vrtoce villagers who have returned in September 1998.

GOJKO DRINIC: "While I was in exile it was impossible for me to imagine that I would return to Vrtoce, not to mention having a house. My old house was totally destroyed. Let there be humanitarian people and humanitarian organizations. Thanks to them I now have my own house back and I am very happy".

MILAN GALONJA: "Without the aid from the EU and workers of Christian Aid I would still be in exile. I wouldn't have a place to go back to. Thanks to the assistance I am back to my own land and in a house which is better than the old one. I am very satisfied".

DJURO LATINOVIC: "It is more than enough that I am back to my place of origin, not to mention my reconstructed house. I am very happy and satisfied. I will never forget the assistance given by the Europeans. Real help at the right time. Big thanks to the employees of Christian Aid".

For more information:
Christian Aid
Ivan Bojanic
tel.: +387 58 24 37 54
tel.: +44 171 620 0719
fax.: + 387 58 30 332