Elma Dandić, Blagaj, Bosnia & Herzegovina
From Wednesday to Wednesday
Author: Elma Dandić
My name is Adisa, and I am a resident of Blagaj. Blagaj has changed significantly over time, and I have witnessed the transformation first-hand. When I was a young girl, I used to visit Blagaj for vacations, and it was a place filled with beautiful memories. However, the Blagaj of my childhood and the Blagaj of today seem like two different worlds. Times have changed, and so have the people and their attitudes towards the environment.
Fifty years ago, Blagaj was known for its cleanliness and had a soulful vibe. The streets were free of litter, and the trees were well-maintained. During the summer months, we would play and swim in the pristine waters of the Buna River, which was considered the cleanest river in the region. However, things have taken a turn for the worse. The Buna River is now contaminated with debris, sewage pipes discharge into it, and waste from numerous restaurants is dumped into its waters. This has made the water unsafe for consumption, and we are now forced to buy bottled water.
The streets of Blagaj and the surrounding areas are now plagued with illegal dumpsites. Sadly, there are no waste containers in Blagaj, so we are forced to take our garbage once a week to the main street leading to the Blagaj marketplace. The waste is then collected twice a week, but only around eleven o’clock. It is disheartening to see the neglect and lack of proper waste management. Blagaj deserves better treatment, especially considering its status as a tourist gem in the region.
Despite our efforts to address this issue, it seems that our concerns have fallen on deaf ears. It is frustrating to witness the deterioration of such a beautiful place from my childhood. We have appealed to various authorities, but no action has been taken. Blagaj needs waste containers to maintain cleanliness and ensure a healthy environment for both locals and tourists. It is a popular destination that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and it is disheartening to see it marred by inadequate waste disposal practices.
I believe it is essential for the authorities to recognize the significance of waste management in Blagaj and take appropriate measures to address the issue. Waste containers should be provided throughout the area, allowing both residents and tourists to dispose of their waste responsibly. Blagaj should not be deprived of its beauty due to neglectful waste management practices.