About 50 disgruntled residents in Petrinja, who are dissatisfied with the level of communication between the competent institutions and citizens, on Tuesday sent an open letter to state and local officials insisting on for clear and unambiguous information and greater safety for residents.

Those dissatisfied citizens, who set up the NGO called “Petrinja Spring”, sent the letter to President Zoran Milanovic, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, (Sisak-Moslavina) County Prefect Ivo Zinić, the civil protection authority, Petrinja Mayor Darinko Dumbovic and other state institutions involved in the demolition of quake-damaged buildings and the post-quake reconstruction of Petrinja following the 29 December earthquake.

Noting that they are distancing themselves from any possible political connotations, the NGO warns of everyday problems that residents are faced with. They presented their proposals, solutions and demands, and expect the competent officials and institutions to urgently respond.

“The processes and ways of communication with citizens is unprofessional and unacceptable and the safety of citizens living in Petrinja is undoubtedly at risk. Citizens are finding out about information exclusively through personal contacts with people who work in institutions and then that is passed on from mouth to mouth,” the NGO claimed.

Outdated method of communication 

The NGO underlined that that “very outdated way of communication” is unprofessional and unacceptable.

In concluding the open letter the NGO calls for an urgent response to its comments and to be informed on a weekly basis of the process of removing hazardous buildings and also of  monthly plans for the removal of the quake-destroyed structures.