VISIT BY MAYOR OF CITY OF SARAJEVO ABDULAH SKAKA
Interviewed by Selma Pušina
SARAJEVO, April 6 (ONASA) – The mayor of the City of Sarajevo Abdulah Skaka in an interview for the Agency ONASA, among other things, speaks of the priority projects in 2017, meetings with ambassadors and mayors, tourism, youth perspective …
ONASA: Since you are on the function of Mayor of Sarajevo, what are priority projects in 2017?
SKAKA:We want to establish a program of this city’s administration with the vision of Sarajevo in 2020 when our mandate is expired. This vision is of Sarajevo as the capital of a future member state of the European Union, the economy oriented towards tourism and providing services, committed to be social, economic, educational, political and communication center of BiH and an essential factor in this part of Europe. There are a number of priorities of which for now I can only detect some. First of all I think the continuity of projects which were started in the past, such as the construction of the cable car, completion of bike paths, as well as the realization of the Winter Youth Games EYOF in 2019. Also priorities are international cooperation, support of culture, coordination with other levels of government, collaboration on various projects, as well as coping with the biggest challenges that the citizens of Sarajevo have today, and precondition for all this is the reform of the administration of the City Administration. We must also begin to solve a problem related to urban infrastructure, and there we are talking about traffic, energy, water supply and sewage and other.
ONASA: You held a meeting with the Ambassador of Austria to BiH Martin Pammer, with whom you spoke about the previous cooperation of Sarajevo and Austrian cities and plans for the future. Are some projects already announced?
SKAKA:Republic of Austria, together with city Innsbruck, and partner cities Vienna, Bad Ischl, Linz and Graz, is closely associated with the city of Sarajevo. We experience them as old and recognized friends with who we bind historical connections since antiquity, a relatively small geographic distance … On behalf of the City of Sarajevo and its citizens on this occasion I would like to thank the Austrian cities for their support when it comes to the reconstruction of the Sarajevo City Hall, studying of bh. students, projects in the field of prevention of juvenile delinquency, grant to Sarajevo Pediatrics, grant in firefighting and emergency vehicles, the financial support provided to the citizens of flooded areas in the city of Sarajevo and the whole territory of our country, a concert of the Vienna Philharmonic in the renovated City Hall in Jubilee 2014, organization of “Days of Vienna in Sarajevo” and “Days of Sarajevo in Vienna”, which brought artists and citizens of the two cities even closer. In Sarajevo are the headquarters of many companies from Austria which invest in BiH and its future development.
During the recent meeting with Ambassador Pammer, the continuation and intensification of future cooperation was confirmed through the implementation of cultural, economic, educational, sports and other projects. We have already talked about the organization of the Vienna bales in May this year in our City Hall. With great pleasure on behalf of the City of Sarajevo I supported this initiative of the Embassy of Austria, which is ready to organize this major social event, which is supposed to become a traditional event in the capital of BiH.
In order to strengthen the bond of Olympic Cities, City of Innsbruck is ready to support the preparation and organization of EYOF in 2019.
ONASA: The restoration of the facade of City Market began, which was built in 1850 and declared a National Monument of BiH, and the project is co-funded by the City of Sarajevo. When the completion of this project can be expected?
SKAKA: City of Sarajevo supported this project with 70,000 BAM with aim of the protection and promotion of cultural heritage and tourist attractions of our city and country. Implementation of such projects, the city administration is trying to make Sarajevo an ambience of pleasant living and an even more attractive tourist destination.
According to information from KJKP “Markets and market places”, it is estimated that facade of City Market Markale will be restored by the end of April.
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ONASA: At the meeting of chairpersons of municipal councils of the Sarajevo Canton the amendments to the Constitution of the Sarajevo Canton were discussed. Will the announced changes have an impact on the city of Sarajevo?
SKAKA:Like all other local government units in the Sarajevo Canton even the City of Sarajevo is directly interested in participation in the discussions on amendments to the Constitution of the Sarajevo Canton. Certainly that the question of jurisdiction is a key question that all of us are interested in, and with it the question of finance is directly linked. I believe that these talks should be approached very seriously and dedicate sufficient time, consult with all levels of government as well as non-governmental sector, and why not with individuals too. In our country the issue of the constitution was perhaps a key political issue in the last hundred years, and today all cantons, entities and the state have its constitution which is perhaps unrealistic. However, the Constitution of the Sarajevo Canton is too important legal document for all citizens of the Canton and it is certain that changes will have an impact on all local government units, and thus all citizens.
ONASA: Renowned British newspaper “The Telegraph” recommended its readers BiH as one of the tourist destinations to visit. That is certainly important for BiH, what tourist destination worth visiting, would you particularly single out?
SKAKA: “The Telegraph” writing about BiH as a tourist destination that tourists should definitely visit, made us a big commercial. Today Sarajevo in the physical and architectural sense truly looks like a modern capital, and, it never looked prettier. Many tourists can explore history and culture of this city for days.
Going through the old part and the city center, you can hear the murmur of all languages of the world, because this city is becoming more attractive tourist destination. Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world that during the ten-minute walk, you can come on the way to worship four major world religions. Sarajevo City Hall, this unique architectural gem has become a real tourist attraction. The attention definitely excursions attract, the surrounding Olympic mountains Bjelašnica, Igman and Jahorina.
Thus, the city of Sarajevo is truly a city of exceptional opportunities; a city that has something to offer. The greatest potential in the branding of Sarajevo, which can be successfully commercialized, its rich cultural and historical heritage, unity of different religions and cultures, exceptional natural attractions, open and hospitable people with a distinctive humor, olympics, numerous festivals, sports events …
ONASA: In this context, are there some projects in the field of tourism?
SKAKA: Sarajevo and its wider region has all the conditions to promote their tourism value and overall tourist offer in the fields of winter, urban, historical-cultural and spa tourism. Also significant investment is needed in the infrastructure which presents the foundation of tourism development. With the establishment of tourist community of City of Sarajevo would surely record not only the increasing number of arrivals but also it would keep the tourists in our city. Special importance should be given to the popularisation of traditional crafts, at which tourist offer in the future should be based.
ONASA: In 2016 the reconstruction work on Trebević cable car was announced, one of the symbols of Sarajevo, which has been completely destroyed during the war in BiH. When can you expect realization of this project?
SKAKA: At the March session of the City Council amendments to four regulating plans were adopted. Next follows a tender for selection of the best bidder for the construction of these facilities. The Italian firm ‘Leitner’ which is at international tender which was guided by the City of Sarajevo, was chosen as the best bidder, produces equipment for Trebević cable car and with the creation of conditions delivery of equipment will start by the City of Sarajevo, and subsequently its installation.
ONASA: What are you doing to improve the perspective of young people and are some projects announced in this field?
SKAKA: This city administration will advocate that young people are put on a priority list. The city in 2016 initiated and implemented the project of direct scholarships for students of secondary vocational / craft schools in the four city municipalities by launching public calls. Investing in education is the best investment. Because only educated young people can build a better and perspective future of the city of Sarajevo and BiH state.
ONASA: You had a meeting with the Mayor of Ljubljana Zoran Janković with whom you spoke about the improvement of relations especially in the field of urban infrastructure, and a joint cooperation and exchange of experiences in the field of municipal services and public transport was also agreed. Are some projects in these areas already announced?
SKAKA: Although it has no jurisdiction, the City of Sarajevo thanks to the partnership and friendly relations with the cities of Europe and the world, helps cantonal companies. We recall that on the basis of an agreement on cooperation with the Turkish cities of Istanbul and Konya, donation in buses and trams to GRAS was delivered which has greatly improved public transportation. Firefighters of Vienna, also, thanks to the technical support of the City, donated fire trucks…
Such results are expected in the course of future cooperation with the City of Ljubljana. With Mayor Janković I have concluded that there are a number of positive things that can be applied on both sides, and to share mutual experiences that are important so we could accelerate certain processes. Through this kind of cooperation we get to know each other, we exchange what someone has done better and we learn from each other. City of Ljubljana is ready to transfer its experiences, particularly in the field of waste separation where separate collection begins right on the doorstep, which advances the concept of green economy. Particularly interesting is the way in which Ljubljana solved the issue of restoration of buildings of historical and cultural significance by giving a new contemporary dimensions in addition to restoration. In the coming days Ljubljana should get a street that will bear the name of Sarajevo.
ONASA: You spoke with Russian Ambassador to BiH Peter Ivancov with whom he agreed on joint cooperation and special relationship between Sarajevo and Moscow. At which areas does this cooperation refers to ?
SKAKA: As I was informed by the ambassador Ivancov, City of Moscow – Central County has expressed a desire for establishing of special relationship with the City of Sarajevo. The city of Sarajevo is open for cooperation with Moscow through the implementation of cultural, sports, educational and other projects. Friendly relationship between Sarajevo and Moscow is an indication that Russia is an important partner for BiH. Regarding that, I suggested the making of a concert of Moscow Pliharmonic Orchestra, and we talked about the presentation of the Russian cinematography at the Sarajevo Film Festival.
It was agreed that a Russian journalist in Sarajevo make a reportage about the capital of BiH, and thus get closer the beauty of life, the customs of our city as a more attractive tourist destination in the region. As for cooperation in the field of education, Embassy of the Russian Federation currently provides scholarships to 60 students from BiH, through the funding of master’s, doctoral studies, and through non-formal education. (end)