DODIK: SRPSKA WILL SHOW SOLIDARITY AND HELP PEOPLE RENOVATE APARTMENTS BEFORE WINTER

VLASENICA, AUGUST 27 /SRNA/ – The President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik stated today in Vlasenica that Republika Srpska will show solidarity and assist people who lost apartments in a residential building fire by renovating and adapting them before winter.

“We are here to try to help people. To them, this now seems hopeless. In any case, some time is needed to repair this. The damage amounts to around BAM one million, and we will provide that,” Dodik told reporters. Dodik emphasized that approximately BAM 150,000 has already been transferred today, and support will continue until the completion of the works. “Much work lies ahead here, but people must be helped,” Dodik stated. He stressed that the issue of responsibility should not be abandoned, meaning it is necessary to determine how the fire occurred, as this is serious damage for the families. “We must address the consequences, but we must also focus on prevention. I see that all the buildings here were constructed in the same way. We need to be cautious, inspect everything, and see what could potentially be a problem, and eliminate it,” the president said. According to him, it is necessary to take advantage of good weather to quickly resolve the problems of people who lost their apartments. “I am glad to see the solidarity of people in this town, everyone helping—from relatives and friends—to accommodate those who lost their apartments. As I was told, six apartments were completely destroyed. It’s not only walls and roofs, but all wardrobes and furniture as well,” Dodik noted. Dodik said that once the apartments are rebuilt, families will be individually assisted in purchasing furniture. “We will see how much that costs and what needs to be done, at least the basic things. Life must go on. Most importantly, no one was harmed,” Dodik emphasized. He called for patience, as such a problem cannot be solved overnight, expressing confidence that it will be addressed before winter. In discussions with residents whose apartments burned, Dodik promised assistance and stated that Republika Srpska institutions will transfer the necessary funds to the Vlasenica municipality so that the apartments can be renovated and adapted before winter. In the Panorama neighborhood on Vuka Karadžića Street in Vlasenica, a fire broke out yesterday in a residential building containing 37 apartments. The fire started in the roof areas, attic, and upper floors. Through rapid and coordinated intervention by all relevant services, residents were evacuated in time, preventing casualties, although the material damage is extensive.