The implementation of the first sub-project of the Regional Housing Programme (RHP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina was launched today with the signing of cooperation agreements by the BiH Minister for Human Rights and Refugees, Damir Ljubic, FBiH Minister of Displaced Persons and Refugees, Adil Osmanovic, RS Minister of Refugees and Displaced Persons, Davor Čordaš and the mayors of 22 cities/municipalities in BiH where these projects will be implemented (Banja Luka, Bosansko Grahovo, Bosanski Petrovac, Brod, Bugojno, Derventa, Dobretići, Foča, Goražde/Novo Goražde, Gradiška, Hadžići, Prijedor, Sanski Most, Srebrenica, Stari grad Sarajevo, Vogošća, Olovo, Travnik, Trebinje Tuzla).

The RHP is a joint initiative of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia with aim to contribute towards resolving the protracted displacement situation of the most vulnerable refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in these countries. It includes four country housing projects which are implemented by each country in series of sub-projects.
 
The total Programme cost is approximately EUR 584 million, out of which the European Union is contributing EUR 230 million as pledged at the international Donors’ Conference held in Sarajevo in April 2012.
 
The cost of the BiH housing project is estimated at EUR 101 million and it is expected to provide durable housing solutions to 5,400 households corresponding to around 14,000 vulnerable refugees, IDPs and returnees either in their places of origin, places of displacement or within institutions of the social welfare system.
 
This first sub-project in BiH, with total cost of EUR 2.7 million, will finance the reconstruction of 150 housing units for the return of 50 families of displaced persons in BiH and for the return of refugees from BiH who are currently residing in Croatia and Serbia, 50 families from each country. In addition, it will also finance the delivery of 20 packages of building material to facilitate local integration of refugees originating from Croatia in BiH/Republika Srpska.
 
The beneficiary households have been selected through an extensive and transparent process based on specific vulnerability criteria. The delivery of building materials, design and reconstruction works are expected to start in February 2015.

The second sub-project, comprising the reconstruction of 750 housing units for returnee households, and the construction of 30 houses for households integrating locally is expected to be launched in April 2015 as soon as the beneficiaries’ selection is completed.
 
For more information, please visit: www.regionalhousingprogramme.org and www.mhrr.gov.ba