VIŠKOVIĆ: GETTING GAS FOR ALL LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN SRPSKA IS GOAL

ŠEKOVIĆI, JUNE 15 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Prime Minister Radovan Višković stated that the beginning of construction of the main Šekovići–Vlasenica–Milići gas pipeline and the branch Vlasenica–Igrišta–Han Pijesak marks a historic day for the gas supplying system of Republika Srpska, emphasizing that the goal is for all local communities to get gas.

"Perhaps we’re not even fully aware of how important this project is for Republika Srpska. It’s not just about connecting these four or five municipalities. Our vision is to extend in one direction toward Bratunac and Srebrenica, and in the other, with Trebinje as the ultimate goal," Višković said in Jakovice near Šekovići, where the gas pipeline construction in eastern Republika Srpska was officially launched today.

Višković emphasized that the government is committed to balanced development across the Republic, noting that the issue of gas pipeline construction from Brod to Banja Luka and Novi Grad, as well as toward Bijeljina, will also be on the agenda.

"The goal is full gas supply of Republika Srpska. We are not people who just talk and make promises. This is the third gas project in the east of Srpska. First, we switched from heating oil to gas in East New Sarajevo, and now a secondary network is being built in East Ilidža to allow everyone to use gas," Višković reminded.

He adds the second project was the construction of a 27-kilometer primary and secondary distribution network between Pale and Jahorina.

"Now we’re starting construction of a 48-kilometer gas pipeline over the next three years. This will be financed entirely from the Republika Srpska budget," he stressed.

Višković says that Republika Srpska does not want to be in a position where anyone in Sarajevo or Kladanj can cut off gas to users in East New Sarajevo and the rest of Srpska.

"We want a pipeline running through the territory of Republika Srpska, and we will not stop at Han Pijesak. In the next phase, we will continue toward Sokolac and Pale, connect to the Pale–Jahorina branch, and then go down to East New Sarajevo, linking this Jakovice transceiver station to the station in East Sarajevo, all within our own territory," said Višković.

He highlighted in Šekovići that Republika Srpska currently has access to cheap energy and the lowest tax rates - key advantages for attracting potential investors.

"Employment is increasing daily, our average salary is rising, as are pensions. Republika Srpska is economically stable today. You may love us or not, but you must accept the facts," the prime minister said.

He expressed gratitude to the "brotherly Russian state" for its cooperation, pointing out that thanks to excellent relations between President Milorad Dodik and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both Republika Srpska and all of BiH currently have the cheapest gas.

The launch of gas pipeline construction in eastern Republika Srpska was marked today at the Jakovice transceiver station in Šekovići.

It is about the construction works of the main gas pipeline Šekovići–Vlasenica–Milići, including a branch route Vlasenica–Igrišta–Han Pijesak.

The construction of this 48-kilometer-long main gas pipeline, valued at approximately BAM 74 million, is one of the most important strategic projects of the gas system in Republika Srpska.