Western Balkans Environment Programe

Banja Luka, March 17, 2009 - As per UNDP procedure, International Independent Engineer (IIE) was hired for independent expert revision of the Project Documentation (Technical Designs). The revision is completed as per ToR, and the parts of Project Documentation that needed to be redone or better explained have been identified. The report was sent to project partners with request for correction of the project documentation. After the corrections are made, the report will be reviewed again by the IIE.

Tuzla/ Ugljevik, March 3, 2009 - The second phase of the Public Awareness Assessment started on March 3, 2009 by conducting the Focus Group meetings in both Tuzla and Ugljevik. Main goal of organizing the focus groups was to scan the existing situation (provide baseline report), as well as the local input for development of the public awareness raising campaign.
There were two Focus Groups meetings held, one in each community, with representatives of primary school, fisherman association, local Red Cross, community activists, representatives of local communities within the polluting area, local NGO representatives and representative of health care.

Tuzla/ Ugljevik, February 9, 2009 - The first phase of Public Awareness Assessment started during February 2009. On February 9 the interviews with key stakeholders from Tuzla and Ugljevik municipality were conducted.
There were three interviews held with key stakeholders, representatives of Thermo Power Plant Ugljevik (Ms. Bosiljka Stojanovic), the Municipality of Ugljevik (Mr. Stojan Tesic) and the Municipality of Tuzla (Mr. Kemal Kurevic).

On January 26, 2009 UNDP BH signed a contract with Local consultant for Public Awareness for following services divided into three basic phases:
Phase 1: Preparation of methodology and questionnaires for planned discussions/ sessions. Establishment of focus groups; discussions/ sessions with focus groups; reporting of findings/ results of the work with focus groups; development of the recommendations and other possible activities for the Public Awareness Campaign; Development of the TOR and profile of and organization for Public Awareness Campaign development and implementation.