ELEK: CONSTRUCTION OF BIDIRECTIONAL GAS PIPELINE THROUGH FOUR MUNICIPALITIES PROCEEDING AS PLANNED

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, OCTOBER 24 /SRNA/ – The director of the Sarajevo Gas company from Istočno Sarajevo Nedeljko Elek told SRNA that the construction of a main gas pipeline spanning 50 kilometers across four municipalities in Republika Srpska is progressing according to plan.

Elek emphasized that this is the only bidirectional gas pipeline currently being built and that it clearly demonstrates a long-term vision for the next 50 years. "Just the other day, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that they made a mistake in Serbia by not building a bidirectional gas pipeline," Elek noted. He added that he is very satisfied with the execution of works, which are progressing ahead of the planned schedule. Elek explained that monthly coordination meetings are held with members of the Government of Republika Srpska to review all planned and completed activities. "The shortest section is in the municipality of Milići, and it is practically already completed," Elek said, adding that work is currently being carried out on an 11 kilometer stretch in Han Pijesak. He stated that construction work in the municipality of Šekovići is awaiting the resolution of property-legal issues, as well as in one part of Vlasenica. "After that, we move toward Sokolac and Pale, and then extend the pipeline down to Trebinje," Elek explained, adding that the total value of the project is BAM 75 million. Elek also expressed gratitude to the contractor. Commenting on the announcement from Brussels that, as of January 1, 2026, the transit of Russian gas through the EU will be banned, Elek said that this will not affect BiH, that is, Republika Srpska. "Article 20 of that resolution clearly states that the restriction applies only to EU member states, while transit to third countries will continue," Elek clarified.