The road construction work, which started in spring 2023 in the municipality of Donji Vakuf, is a momentous opportunity for the local Roma community and the municipality as a whole. Through the Community Action Group (CAG) meetings, Donji Vakuf, one of the twelve ROMACTED II partner municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with their Roma citizens, identified road construction as the major obstacle towards inclusivity and accessibility for the Roma community.

“I have been waiting for this moment for 50 years”, said Mr Zahid Korugic, resident of Donji Vakuf Roma settlement and the community representative. This Roma community faces many obstacles such as unemployment, housing issues and health matters. This new access road will not only enhance accessibility but also provide opportunity for socioeconomic growth, easier access to health services and municipal services.

Donji Vakuf municipality started this project with a strong commitment to improving the lives of its Roma residents. The municipality, in synergy with the ROMACTED II Programme, allocated both financial and human resources. Mr Izet Balihodizc, municipal ROMACTED contact person, highlighted that “residents will now have improved access to essential services, educational institutions, and employment opportunities.” Furthermore, Donji Vakuf municipality actively engaged with the local Roma community to ensure their needs and preferences were considered during the construction process.

As the road construction in Donji Vakuf is now finalised, it marks a historic turning point in the municipality's efforts to promote inclusivity and create opportunities for all its residents. This landmark project reflects the municipality's commitment to building a fairer and connected community.

This project is fully integrated into the objectives of the ROMACTED Programme “Promoting good governance and Roma empowerment at local level” and the Strategic Action Plan for Roma and Traveller Inclusion (2020-2025) of the Council of Europe. By improving physical access for and to the local Roma community this road construction prevents them to be isolated and supports real and effective equality, equal access to essential services and education. It also enhances democratic participation and promotes public trust and accountability by creating dialogue between the local authorities of Donji Vakuf and the Roma community.