To foster the reconstruction process, the
EC is assisting in small scale, quickly implemented projects
at a local level. It helps to encourage cooperation and
trust and has immediately visible results and benefits for
the local population. Consequently, the EC also fosters the
implementation of its small-scale operations programme and
SFOR micro projects.
The EC micro projects programme
disperses small allocations throughout Bosnia and
Herzegovina in a short time frame. The programmes’ aim is
to be both sustainable and flexible to the needs of the
local community. The main objective is to encourage
interaction and build confidence between the local
population and the international military forces operating
in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The projects are multi-sector and
are all implemented by the Stabilization Force (SFOR)
who take a coordinated approach that addresses the
sustainability of individual projects. SFOR are technical
specialists in many areas of engineering, have extensive
knowledge of the area, and have a visible ground presence.
Over the period 1996-1999 the EC has
earmarked 6 MEURO for SFOR from EU member states to
implement small-scale projects all over Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
In 1996 SFOR targeted small
projects that repaired transport routes, energy and water
supplies, and rehabilitated social infrastructure such as
schools and health centres to assist in the resettlement of
displaced persons and refugees. A total of 2,433,760 EURO
was contracted and divided between three SFOR units:
- The SFOR Nordic-Polish brigade (SFOR NORDPOL) covering
the Tuzla-Podrinje Canton, Zenica-Doboj Canton and
northern Republika Srpska regions.
- The SFOR Multinational Division South East (SFOR MNDSE)
based in Mostar covering the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton,
Central Bosnia Canton, Eastern Republika Srpska region,
and the Sarajevo Canton.
- The SFOR Multinational Division South West (SFOR MNDSW)
was contracted to cover the Banja Luka and western
Republika Srpska region.
In 1998 2 MEURO has been
allocated for micro projects focusing on the rehabilitation
of small scale infrastructure, water supply and sanitation,
and social infrastructure. The projects are being
implemented by the following SFOR units:
- The SFOR Nordic-Polish brigade (SFOR NORDPOL) cover
the Tuzla-Podrinje Canton, Zenica-Doboj Canton and
northern Republika Srpska regions.
- The SFOR Multinational Division South West (SFOR MNDSW)
cover the Banja Luka and western Republika Srpska
region.
- The SFOR Italian CIMIC Unit (SFOR CIMIC) cover the
whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina and deal with civilian
related projects, i.e. rehabilitation of the Pale
Medical Centre.
In 1999 a further 2 MEURO
has been allocated for SFOR related activities.
Like the SFOR Micro Projects, the Small
Scale Operations (SSOs) are quick projects implemented
at the local level. Requests for small scale funding are
dealt with on a decentralised basis by the European
Commission Representation Office (ECRO) in Sarajevo allowing
for a quick response to meet community needs. Funding is
provided to organisations such as NGOs, cooperatives,
educational institutions, women’s groups, sports groups,
non-profit making organisations, independent media, cultural
groups, private companies, small and medium enterprises (SME),
etc. The benefit of the SSO programme is that funding can be
provided to projects that would not normally attract major
international donors because of their size. The EC has so
far allocated 3 MEURO to the SSO programme. The SSO
programme can provide funding to small and seemingly
insignificant ventures that make a large difference to
people’s lives at the community level.
