DODIK: SRPSKA IS HEADING TOWARD BETTER DAYS

SRBAC, JULY 8 /SRNA/ – President Milorad Dodik says he believes better days lie ahead for Republika Srpska, stressing that the rehabilitation of the regional road linking Srbac and Laktaši is important not only for the local area but also for Banja Luka, to which it provides a key connection.

"We will have to do more than just improve this road, we will also have to address certain practices. We see that the uncontrolled extraction of gravel has led to overloaded trucks that damage every road we build. They deteriorate very quickly and we will have to take this issue much more seriously and prohibit transport practices that endanger public infrastructure," Dodik said.

He stressed that the modernization of the 30-kilometer road section will improve the quality of life in Srbac and expressed confidence that the works will be completed within a year.

"In a year's time, we will return to officially open this road," Dodik emphasized at the ceremony marking the start of the project.

He described MG Mind as a reliable contractor, praising the company's track record and expressing confidence that the project would be completed to the same high standard.

Dodik emphasized that BAM 19 million is a substantial investment for the project, funded by Republika Srpska, adding that a total of 350 kilometres of roads are being reconstructed across Republika Srpska this year, demonstrating what he described as the authorities' responsible approach and commitment to acting in the best interests of the Serb people.

He stressed that Republika Srpska is in a stronger position today than it was last year, when its entire leadership faced pressure from the Muslim authorities in Sarajevo and part of the international community, adding that the situation has since been stabilized, allowing investment projects to move forward.

Dodik reminded that projects worth more than BAM 7 billion are scheduled for completion in the coming years, calling it the largest investment framework Republika Srpska has ever undertaken.

"We want to complete the motorway sections connecting us with Serbia, while also building expressways toward the eastern part of Republika Srpska," Dodik added.

He also noted that he had attended yesterday's launch of works on a third lane for slow-moving vehicles on Romanija Mountain near Sokolac, adding that similar infrastructure projects would be carried out in other municipalities and in Herzegovina, where contractors are expected to begin work by fall on the road linking Bileća and Trebinje.

"Republika Srpska will not give up on itself, on its right to live in freedom, or on its right to manage the resources that belong to it. It will continue working to improve the quality of life," Dodik pointed out.

He thanked the Serbian Orthodox Church for what he described as its important mission, saying it had helped bring people back to their faith.

"Whenever we work together with the Church, we know we are doing the right things," Dodik said.

He added that Metropolitan Jefrem of Banja Luka would be remembered as the builder of more than 300 churches and several monasteries across the diocese.

"All of this helps us become better not only in terms of infrastructure, but also as people. I remain very optimistic and believe better days lie ahead for Republika Srpska," Dodik said, stressing that the preservation of Republika Srpska during turbulent times should be viewed in that context.