Anamarija Knezević, Podhum, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mother Radobolja
Author: Anamarija Knezević
The selection of these two specific aspects indicating life together is not a coincidence. They are closely connected. It is impossible to discuss the Radobolja River without considering the surrounding presence of poplar, aspen, pine, and cherry trees along its course.
The Radobolja River should be regarded as a sacred place by all residents of Mostar. Preserving its sanctity and preventing pollution is of utmost importance. We must strive to refrain from throwing garbage into the river, ensuring that it remains clean and unpolluted.
The small yet powerful Radobolja River, which splits into two branches in the neighbourhood of DUM and reunites before flowing into the Neretva River, holds great significance for us. It serves as our life-giving source, akin to a mother. In the urban area, every house and building relies on the Radobolja for its drinking water. While one part of the river follows its natural course, another part is contained within pipes.
Sadly, we have neglected and mistreated our beloved Radobolja for far too long. We have polluted it with garbage, large waste, and even altered its path in the upper section. However, the Radobolja has continued to flow with defiance, refusing to succumb to our ill treatment.
The river has held a special place in my heart since I was a child. At one of its small dams I learned how to swim, like many children from my neighbourhood. Our parents had no concerns as the river flowed pure and untainted, allowing us the freedom to splash, play, and explore. Every summer, we would unite in a communal effort to cleanse the Radobolja riverbed, removing the accumulated debris from the winter and rainy seasons. We, the children, eagerly assisted in these endeavours.
There was also a touch of romance in the air, with first kisses, leisurely strolls, or simply sitting in the park and immersing ourselves in the gentle babbling of the Radobolja. The apartment buildings’ yards were considered an integral part of our homes, and we treated them with utmost care and reverence. When our playtime came to an end, it was second nature for us to clean up after ourselves, ensuring that everything remained as pristine as when we arrived. This upbringing instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility for preserving and caring for the environment. Harsh penalties were enforced for anyone who dared to break a tree branch or contaminate the waters of the Radobolja. I earnestly hope that the future generations in Podhum can experience the same enchanting scene, accompanied by its symphony of sounds and captivating fragrances. Such was the way of life until the dawn of the war.
In the post-war era, new temporary residents arrived in our community, but unfortunately, some of them showed little regard for preserving a clean environment. Meanwhile, we, the longtime residents of Podhum, seemed to have forgotten our duty to nurture and maintain the practices we upheld for years. The thoughtless act of indiscriminately discarding garbage, debris, stoves, furniture, and even flinging them from balconies into the Radobolja goes far beyond any acceptable standards of conduct. It not only transgressed the boundaries of decency but also reveals a disturbingly savage and uncivilized nature.
Peaceful walks along the river have disappeared, as residents must be cautious of objects being thrown from the buildings. As time passed, the temporary occupants left and original neighbours returned. The community attempted to revive their tradition of cleaning the yards and the river, but faced difficulties. There was no municipal service to collect the waste when they gathered a team, and even when municipal workers were active, there was no dedicated team available. Eventually, people began to lose motivation in the face of this daunting task.
The combined efforts of volunteers, community actions, and heartfelt appeals have started to yield noticeable results, especially during the challenging period of the pandemic that served as a reset for our community. The lockdown presented an opportunity for everyone in the neighbourhood to come together and restore order to the yards and the river. And we succeeded! Radobolja is gradually reclaiming its cleanliness and pristine state, reminiscent of the river I fondly remember from my childhood. In just a matter of days, we will begin organized initiatives for cleaning, planting, and enhancing the area. It is a refreshing sight to behold, as it has been quite some time since I last witnessed someone carelessly tossing a bag of garbage from a balcony into the Radobolja. This positive change is also evident in the trees lining the river, where plastic bags no longer dangle from the tree branches.
The Radobolja has once again become our nurturing mother, but there remains a pressing issue with the path that runs alongside the river through the settlement. It is currently in a deteriorated state, causing concern for the safety of the elderly who tend to avoid it due to the risk of falls and fractures. Our next task should be to enhance and restore the river path, transforming it into a vibrant and inviting route reminiscent of its glorious days in the 1970s.