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This week, the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, issued a legally binding
decision enacting a new Statute for your City. What will this mean for
you, as citizen of Mostar?
From 15 March, Mostar will have a single City Council and a single City
Administration. The six city-municipalities will be abolished. This
will remove the expensive and wasteful structures we have had up till now.
Independent oversight of the City Administration by an anti-fraud watchdog will
strike a blow against fraud and corruption.
85% of Mostarci said in a recent poll that too much of their money goes on
bureaucracy. Did you know that the current city-municipalities cost 310KM
for every man, woman and child in Mostar? In future, that money will be
saved – and be available for your benefits and services, not going to waste on
red tape, excess administration and redundant politicians.
The offices of the old city-municipalities will become branch offices of the
central administration. They will continue to offer convenient access to
services in your neighbourhoods, but without the expensive political
superstructure.
Divided cities deter investment and drive away jobs in industry, the service
sector and tourism. The example of other divided cities in the past – like
Belfast or Berlin – shows that all too clearly. A united, stable city will
attract foreign and domestic investors, as well as tourists. More
investment and more visitors mean more jobs.
Public institutions and facilities will be managed in the
interest of all Mostar citizens – not just a few. Nor will development decisions
be taken in the interests of a shadowy few. The urban planning process
will be transparent and benefit local residents as well as the city as a whole.
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