European Union’s donation to support freshwater provision to Bihać

(Sarajevo, 12 July 2021) – During the summer months, characterised by extremely high temperatures and reduced water availability, the delivery of fresh water for the needs of the local population, but also of the migrants accommodated in the Temporary Reception Centres, particularly Lipa, is of crucial importance.

With European Union support, the recognized need for a special water tank vehicle to provide fresh water to the areas in need in the Bihać area was recognized to ensure that the local citizens can have access to fresh water at any time.  Biljana Barovic, Political Adviser at the Banja Luka Office of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and European Union Special Representation handed over the keys of a specialised vehicle with a water tank, worth 271,500 BAM (138,000 EUR) to the City of Bihać Public Utility company „Vodovod Bihać“.

In the presence of Minister of Security, Selmo Cikotic, the Mayor of Bihać, Šuhret Fazlic and IOM's Chief of Mission to BiH, Laura Lungarotti, all parties welcomed the timely assistance of the EU to support the authorities in Una-Sana Canton.

Since 2018, the European Union continues to support BiH in migration and border management in the context of the increased number of refugees and migrants.

Thanks to EU assistance, temporary reception centres in BiH have been established, providing basic accommodation, food and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), clothing and psychological counselling services, as well as access to education and health services for migrants residing in BiH. Funds are also used to purchase equipment and provide expert technical assistance to the Ministry of Security, Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, Border Police and the Sector for Asylum of BiH, the Ministry of Interior of Una-Sana Canton, and other institutions and agencies.

The project “EU Support to Migration and Border Management in Bosnia and Herzegovina” is funded through an Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Special Measure and is implemented by the IOM in partnership with UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFPA and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC).