MAJOR CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN IN BANJA LUKA BEGINS

A major city clean-up and beautification campaign titled “Clean Face of the City” has officially begun in Banja Luka and will run throughout the spring season, aiming to ensure that the largest city of Republika Srpska shines in its full glory.

According to the City Administration, the campaign marks the start of intensive urban maintenance activities following the winter period.

Project Manager for the City of Banja Luka, Milada Šukalo, announced the beginning of the campaign in the presence of municipal service teams and machinery that will be engaged in implementing a wide range of activities across the city.

“With spring approaching, we are starting intensive work on improving the appearance of the city after the winter season. The ‘Clean Face of the City’ campaign has two primary goals. The first is to synchronize the activities of city services and companies working with us on urban maintenance. The second, and more important goal, is raising and changing public awareness among our citizens,” Šukalo said.

In the coming days, asphalt plants are expected to resume operations, enabling the launch of a comprehensive set of coordinated activities across city neighborhoods. These will include the maintenance and cleaning of public spaces, landscaping and green area maintenance, repair and installation of urban furniture, waste collection and disposal, the removal of illegal dumpsites, road cleaning and washing, the repainting of horizontal road markings, maintenance of public lighting, and intensified municipal inspection oversight.

Šukalo highlighted bulky waste as one of the biggest ongoing challenges for the city.

“A major issue is bulky waste that is constantly left next to containers intended for household waste. The city spends around one million KM annually on collecting this additional waste. Our goal is to redirect that money toward preventive measures that will help eliminate illegal dumpsites across the city,” she said.

A recycling yard in the Malta neighborhood will soon become operational, allowing citizens to dispose of bulky waste free of charge.

“Unfortunately, despite this option, some irresponsible individuals still leave bulky waste near building entrances or next to containers for household waste,” Šukalo added.

This year, the city’s Department for Communities of Apartment Owners will play a more active role by inviting residential communities to join the campaign. Those willing to participate in improving their courtyards and neighborhoods will receive symbolic gifts as encouragement.

Kindergartens and schools will also be invited to take part in the initiative.

“The emphasis is not on children cleaning the city, but on helping them understand the importance of taking care of their environment and encouraging them to remind adults not to dispose of waste in inappropriate places,” Šukalo explained.

Expectations for the campaign are high, particularly with the upcoming Banjalučko proljeće event, which is expected to attract a large number of visitors and tourists.

“This year the campaign will also have a broader significance through additional measures that will be implemented by our inspection services together with the city architect. The goal is to improve the city’s appearance and address dilapidated buildings in the city center that may pose a safety risk to residents,” Šukalo noted.

She concluded by inviting all citizens to join the initiative and contribute to creating a more beautiful image of Banja Luka.