Elma Dandić, Blagaj, Bosnia & Herzegovina
The Blagaj system of (not) creating problems
Author: Elma Dandić
Adnan was born and raised in Blagaj. He has dedicated a significant portion of his life to education and personal growth, resulting in his active involvement in the local community of Blagaj. Adnan is a doctor of law by profession. With his educational background and experience as a lawyer, he strives to be readily available to the residents of Blagaj in resolving their issues. Adnan believes that the current governance of Blagaj is not sufficiently efficient and practical in addressing the everyday problems and needs of its citizens.
Adnan feels both frustrated and disillusioned by the current system that encompasses the regional district office of the City of Mostar as well as areas such as education, healthcare, employment, tourism, economy, infrastructure, and legal jurisdiction in Blagaj. Adnan points out that it hasn’t always been this way, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead adds to the difficulty of the situation. He recalls a time when Blagaj was a part of the Southeast municipality, which included three local communities: Blagaj, Gnojnice, and Podveležje. However, the decision made by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s High Representative resulted in the abolishment of these municipalities, and from Adnan’s present standpoint, this has significantly altered circumstances.
Adnan reminisces about the better days, when Blagaj had a more functional local community governance where residents could easily obtain personal identification cards, complete property registrations, and submit requests for installing electrical lighting. Nowadays, all these matters require a trip to Mostar.
When he was younger, Adnan actively participated in various community initiatives and projects. He has vivid memories of a time when there was stronger interconnectedness between people and a higher level of trust in government institutions compared to the present situation. However, in recent years, Adnan has observed that the sluggish and inefficient administration impedes the growth and development of Blagaj. Motivated by his own activism, he has endeavoured to bring about change, aspiring for a better future not only for himself and his family but for all the residents of Blagaj.
No matter where he directs his gaze, Adnan observes a multitude of problems afflicting Blagaj. These include unauthorized construction, encroachment on public spaces, improper use of water resources, inadequate infrastructure, absence of electricity in certain areas, unresolved issues with public sewage and water supply systems, limited green spaces, a lack of bike lanes and children’s playgrounds, insufficient sports facilities, corruption, difficulties in healthcare provision, educational challenges, employment obstacles for the working-age population, bureaucratic obstacles in obtaining construction permits, and inefficiencies within administrative processes.
Adnan envisions a Blagaj that surges forward with great strides, placing increased emphasis on the preservation and promotion of historical landmarks that hold immense tourism potential for the entire Herzegovina region. He firmly believes that Buna and Blagaj are the lifeblood of their inhabitants. Being an ardent sports enthusiast, Adnan expresses his hope to witness the establishment of well-maintained sports tracks and halls in Blagaj, similar to those found in other municipalities like Jablanica. Adnan acknowledges that the community’s challenges are deep-rooted and complex, requiring substantial effort and time to address. It necessitates active involvement from local authorities and an engaged citizenry who are motivated to collectively shape the future and development of Blagaj, as well as its broader surroundings.