LOCAL OFFICIAL ON RECONSTRUCTION IN OSIJEK-BARANJA COUNTY

OSIJEK, Aug 31 (Hina) - The head of the Osijek-Baranja County Office for Reconstruction and Development, Josip Skoric, on Tuesday spoke to Hina about the progress of reconstruction in that eastern Croatian county. Skoric announced for the beginning of September the building of a bridge across the Drava river near Belisce towards the region of Baranja. The investor in the bridge, worth some US$5.5 million, is the Croatian Administration for Roads, while the building is financed by the Croatian Transport Ministry. Skoric also announced the introduction of a gas supply system in Baranja by Christmas 2000 which he said will significantly contribute to the quality of life in the region. Speaking about the course of reconstruction, Skoric said he was satisfied with the realisation of the 1999 programme, adding out of a planned 1000 houses, the last 20 were nearing completion. The reconstruction of 500 family houses which suffered the most damage in the Serbian aggression on Croatia earlier this decade will begin next month. Skoric said reconstruction works were slow in starting due to financial difficulties and a revision of the state budget earlier this year. Another problem, he added, is the fact that the reconstruction of the infrastructure is not following that of houses. Skoric mentioned the village of Lastovo, where reconstruction has been completed on some 200 houses, yet the return of pre-war inhabitants has been poor due to lack of water supply. The villages of Antunovac and Ernestinovo on the other hand are good examples of successful reconstruction, Skoric said, pointing out some 90 percent of pre-war population has returned. Another obstacle to major returns, according to Skoric, is the high prices of local public transportation. He believes this could be resolved with a new law on areas of special government concern, which should ensure transport subsidies for pupils and students at least. (hina) ha