Municipal Environmental Governance (MEG) Project – Phase II
A new specialized vehicle for sewer network maintenance has arrived in Ilijaš
With the purchase of this modern sewer maintenance vehicle, “Vodostan” d.o.o. Ilijaš significantly expands its technical capacities, enabling higher-quality services for nearly 20,000 residents of the area and beyond.
The employees of “Vodostan” welcomed the new vehicle with great enthusiasm. For those who work daily on maintaining the sewer network, the specialized equipment on board will make their job much easier and ensure greater safety in the field.
“Without a vehicle like this, it’s impossible to do the job. This is truly a big help for both the company and the town,” said Kasim Hilal, who has been working at “Vodostan” for 27 years maintaining the water supply and sewer systems.
Kasim Hilal/Photo: Sulejman Omerbašić
Hilal explains that the new vehicle will enable them to carry out their tasks much more efficiently and safely in all conditions, thanks to its combined capabilities.
“This is a purpose-built vehicle for unclogging sewers and vacuuming waste, equipped with a two-part tank, one for pressurized water and the other for suction. We’ve never had a vehicle like this before, and since it’s a combination unit, our work will now be easier, faster, and of higher quality.”
Kasim Hilal
The procurement of the specialized vehicle was carried out through a joint investment by the Municipality of Ilijaš and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), within the framework of the Municipal Environmental Governance Project (MEG II), which is funded by the Government of Switzerland, Sweden, the Government of the Czech Republic, and the European Union, and implemented by UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A total of 549,999.58 BAM was invested in the vehicle, of which 289,440 BAM was financed through the MEG II project, while the remaining 260,559.58 BAM came from the budget of the Municipality of Ilijaš.
Through this investment, the Municipality of Ilijaš continues to systematically improve public utility services and infrastructure, aiming to create a safer, healthier, and more orderly environment for its residents.
Belma Zukić/Photo: Sulejman Omerbašić
“We manage and maintain around 130 kilometres of the sewer network. With this vehicle, management and maintenance will certainly become more efficient, as we previously didn’t have equipment that allowed not only unclogging but also sludge extraction.”
Belma Zukić, Director of “Vodostan” d.o.o. Ilijaš
Zukić also highlighted the vehicle’s ability to empty septic tanks as one of its key features, which is particularly important for Ilijaš, where six local water supply systems operate without a built sewer network.
“Until now, we couldn’t provide that service because we didn’t have the necessary equipment. Now, all six local water systems, serving about 1,300 users, will have the possibility to have their septic tanks emptied and the waste safely transported,” explained Zukić.
In addition to regular sewer maintenance, the new vehicle will also be of great use to the Civil Protection Service of the Municipality of Ilijaš in emergency situations. It will serve residents during periods of heavy rainfall and potential flooding, when timely cleaning and maintenance of the sewer network are crucial to preventing inundations, reducing damage, and protecting public health.
Zdravko Barić/Photo: Sulejman Omerbašić
“A vehicle like this is essential in many situations. The Municipality of Ilijaš covers a large area, and there is a significant need for sewer unclogging services.”
Zdravko Barić, Assistant Head of the Civil Protection Service of the Municipality of Ilijaš
Barić added that the new vehicle will also be available to other municipalities in Sarajevo Canton when needed, further strengthening inter-municipal cooperation.
The Municipality of Ilijaš has been part of the Municipal Environmental Governance Project (MEG II) for the past three years. In the first phase of the project, about USD 180,000 was invested to improve public utility services in Ilijaš, while the second phase financed the procurement of the new specialized vehicle.
Through the Municipal Environmental Governance Project (MEG II), implemented by UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina and funded by the Government of Switzerland, the Government of Sweden, the Government of the Czech Republic, and the European Union, eight local communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina have been supported in implementing priority environmental infrastructure projects with a total value of USD 1,030,000.