The Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Sprska Prof. Draga Mastilović PhD announced today that the Government of the Republic of Srpska will invest 5 million BAM in the reconstruction and energy-efficiency refurbishment of the building housing the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Istočno Sarajevo, with the aim of providing better conditions for over 900 students.
Following a meeting with the University's management and faculty deans, Minister Mastilović stated that this investment forms part of the Government of the Republic of Srpska's cycle of investments in higher education.
"Projects in Istočno Sarajevo area have received, or are currently receiving, almost 45 million BAM in funding over the past several years", Minister Mastilović emphasised.
He stressed that improving higher education and student living standards is a strategic objective of the Government of the Republic of Srpska, aimed at encouraging young people to remain in the Republic.
"Our primary strategic objective is to ensure that our young people remain in this region. Through investments in infrastructure, student welfare, and the quality of higher education, we want students in the Republic of Srpska to have the best possible conditions for their education," said Mastilović.
According to him, the Government of the Republic of Srpska will continue investing in science through infrastructure projects and increased grants for scientific research.
The Rector of the University of Istočno Sarajevo, Milan Kulić, described the reconstruction of the building as one of the most important infrastructure projects for the institution.
"This has been our highest priority. The building was constructed in 1975 and has not undergone any significant investment since then. This project will substantially improve study conditions at the three faculties, all of which are of exceptional importance to the University," said Kulić, adding that the University is now awaiting the preparation of project documentation, the completion of public procurement procedures, and the selection of a contractor.
The Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Božidar Popović, stated that the main priorities would be the replacement of windows and doors, thermal insulation of the façade, and roof repairs. He expressed confidence that the project would enhance the attractiveness of the University for prospective students.
Popović highlighted that heating is currently the building's biggest issue, noting that the facility covers 22,000 square metres and that substantial sums have been spent on electricity and gas over the past three years.
The Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Saša Prodanović, said that the implementation of the project would improve working conditions, teaching, and scientific research activities, while also increasing the attractiveness of Istočno Sarajevo as a university centre.
Student representatives from the Faculties of Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Dragan Đurica and Žiko Stevanović, expressed their gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Srpska and the relevant ministry for securing the funding, stressing that the reconstruction will provide future generations of students with better-quality study conditions.