The Party of Democratic Action (SDA) has warned in a new statement that uncontrolled and unprofessional construction in Sarajevo and its surrounding mountains will have far-reaching consequences for the quality of life in the city and will jeopardize the safety and health of residents, particularly their right to clean air and drinking water.

“Sarajevo must be built, but that construction must be planned and under the supervision of professionals. The natural greenery of Igman provides us with clean water, the protected greenery of Trebevic prevents landslides, and the greenery in the city's central area keeps the air clean,” the SDA statement said.

The SDA expressed concern over the plans to build massive residential and business structures in urban parts of Sarajevo, which do not have sufficient parking space, traffic infrastructure, or adequate green spaces. The construction, they argued, will further impact the overall quality of living and air quality in the city.

The party also criticized Sarajevo's governing coalition, known as “Troika,” for abolishing the wind corridor plan and planning the construction of tall buildings in those areas. The SDA claimed that the current authorities’ real intentions are evident in the abolition of the cantonal Ministry of Spatial Planning and its merger with another ministry.

“We are witnessing extensive construction on Trebevic in Republika Srpska, which, besides all the other negative impacts, has triggered landslides and endangered the lives of Sarajevo's citizens. The intention for larger-scale construction on Igman will inevitably threaten the drinking water sources that supply Sarajevo,” SDA noted.

The SDA called for urban and regulatory planning to be entrusted to professional teams, and for clear and binding decisions to be made to prevent intensive construction on Igman and Trebevic, as well as stopping forest devastation on Bjelasnica.

The SDA also called on citizens, experts, environmental activists, and associations to oppose the ongoing construction and participate in public discussions on regulatory plans. They urged the competent prosecution offices to intensify their activities to uncover links between the construction lobby and corrupt politicians.