Bosnia and Herzegovina: the priority reconstruction program: 1996 achievements and 1997 objectives

Abstract

Almost a year and a half ago, the international community pledged US$1.8 billion in financial assistance to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's economic recovery, and the first results were impressive, with noticeable improvements in living conditions in many areas of the country. Roads, railways, and airports have been re-opened, energy supply has become more regular, running water has reappeared in many municipalities, and housing reconstruction flourishes in many areas. These results have been made possible by the combination of a strong desire by local people for a return to normal life, and a significant level of assistance, both advisory and financial, from the donor community. Donor support in 1996 generally met the needs identified in the US$5.1 billion priority reconstruction program and made the recovery program --by any international standard of comparison --one of the most successful attempts to reconstruct a war-torn country in the last few decades.