Waste collection in Mostar resumes after two-week halt

Mayor Mario Kordic declared a state of emergency on Monday, following the Civil Protection Headquarters' recommendation, "to protect and save people and property in the affected area".

Early Tuesday, the city's utility company began clearing the streets, where accumulated rubbish had marred the city, which is an important tourist destination. The University Clinical Hospital of Mostar warned it would have to reduce surgical operations due to the rubbish piled near the facility.

The Federation entity's Administration for Inspection Affairs had ordered the suspension of waste disposal at the Uborak landfill in early September until an environmental permit for its expansion is obtained. The environmental NGO "Jer me se tice" says the landfill violates regulations and endangers residents' health.

The closure of the Uborak landfill had caused a complete halt in waste collection, leading to the two-week crisis.