Bosnia and Herzegovina: the priority reconstruction program: from emergency to sustainability.

Abstract

1996 has been the first peaceful year in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following the three-and-a-half years of war. This year has not been an easy one, but no one expected that it would be. Major political challenges had to be addressed: the "real" establishment of the Federation, the elections in Mostar, and finally the country-wide elections in September, just to name a jew. And significant further political challenges still lie ahead: the creation of common institutions, the arbitration for the Brcko Area and the municipal elections. There have been ups and downs in the painful process of reconciliation and reintegration. But what really matters: there has been no war. A year after Dayton, the first results of peace and reconstruction, and return to normal life are beginning to emerge, especially in the Federation. Industrial production and employment have increased, so have wages--although all from very low levels. Some basic services, like water, electricity and heating have been or are being restored in most communities. Repairs of housing are underway. The Sarajevo airport has been opened to limited commercial traffic, and major road and railway links are under reconstruction. Schools reopened in September and health clinics are being rehabilitated Donor support played a major ro~e to make this happen.