Meeting of the Rector and the Attorney General of the Republic of Srpska

On 1 October 2024, Rector of the University of Banja Luka Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, and Attorney General of the Republic of Srpska Asst. Prof. Milimir Govedarica, PhD, discussed a number of topics, especially the problems related to the construction of two roundabouts in the immediate vicinity of the University Campus.

Rector Gajanin and Attorney General Govedarica urged the relevant institutions to react and put the works on the construction of two roundabouts within the legal framework.

The rector stated that the University insists that all regulations and laws are observed, and urged the authorities to check whether the works on the construction of the two intersections are in compliance with the regulations.

"After reviewing the documents, the implementation plan for the intersection that is being constructed at the main gate of the University Campus is not aligned with the relevant higher order acts, and the roundabout centre has been moved by 20 meters towards the "Delta'' Shopping Centre, thereby jeopardizing road users on this intersections", Rector Gajanin explained and pointed out that currently it is impossible for the University and all faculties to operate normally, urging the relevant institutions to react and stop the works that do not comply with the regulations.

As for the construction of the roundabout at the entrance to the University Campus from the side access, Gajanin noted that the construction machines trespassed on the University property in June this year, without any previous request from the City of Banja Luka.

"As the City ordered the contractor to start constructing the roundabout without a building permit and the resolved property and legal issues, the work on that part has stopped and now it is a question as to when the construction works will be continued. We still have a problem though, as neither pedestrians nor vehicles can use the entrance," Gajanin said.

Attorney General Govedarica said that works on the construction of roundabouts were started without the necessary permits, that they are taking place out of the regulatory plan, as well as that the urban planning and technical conditions were issued contrary to the current regulatory plan.

"We initiated the necessary procedures to resolve this situation, because construction works have begun, but property and legal matters have not been resolved, nor have building permits been issued, and the situation is such that only one of the three entrances to the University Campus is functional," Govedarica said, pointing out that the works should be stopped, and it should be investigated whether they have started despite the decision on a construction ban.

The meeting in the Rectorate was also attended by the vice-rectors of the University, Prof. Milica Balaban, PhD, and Prof. Kristina Pantelić Babić, PhD. Secretary General Đorđe Markez, MA, Financial Director of the University Duško Lazić, President of the Rectorate Union Predrag Govedarica, MA, and Assistant Attorney General Zoran Gvozdenović were also present.

Photo: D. Desnica