DODIK: SRPSKA AND BANJA LUKA GAIN AN IMPORTANT FACILITY

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 3 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik stated that with the construction of “Terme Banja Luka,” Republika Srpska and Banja Luka have gained an important facility in the health and tourism sector and announced that further development will continue.

“This complex is part of the urban culture of Banja Luka and has served generations, but due to numerous transitions, it has been left to the ravages of time. It was costly, but the investment was purposeful and correct,” Dodik said during the opening of the modern spa and recreation complex “Terme Banja Luka” in the Srpske Toplice neighborhood. He added that politicians are judged by what they leave behind and emphasized that a facility in Slatina will also be built. Dodik stressed that there are persistent attempts to undermine Republika Srpska’s right to act, with constant claims that something is wrong, but noted that Republika Srpska remains stable, with less disruption to public order and safety than in Western European countries. He also said that last year, Republika Srpska generated over BAM 1.5 billion of new domestic products and both started and completed projects worth BAM 2.8 billion. He added that the aim is to finish this year with an average salary of 900 Euros, and to reach 1,000 Euros next year. “Republika Srpska has the lowest debt, around 28 percent, and it is building roads,” Dodik said, announcing the modernization of the road from Banja Luka to Klašnica, for which the contractor tender is concluding tomorrow, after which construction is expected to begin. He said the goal is to give Banja Luka a new shine, as the city deserves, being the seat of institutions. Dodik added that they plan to complete the University Center complex, as well as the Trebinje hospital, by December 13, so that it can be officially opened on January 9. “By the end of next year, the section of the highway from Rača towards Bijeljina should be completed, giving us a connection with Serbia. A road from Bijeljina towards Brčko and further to Modriča has also been contracted. We want Republika Srpska to be connected by highway with Serbia within the next four years,” Dodik said. He emphasized that Republika Srpska has friends it can rely on, but also those who interfere, such as the British ambassador who came to Banja Luka today to find like-minded individuals and see what could be done to destabilize Republika Srpska. “But that will not succeed, because we are building and we are not afraid of them,” Dodik concluded.