Legend of Sandžak Passes Away: Izet Ljajić, Master Builder of Roads and Development, Dies at 82
Sandžak has lost one of its greatest infrastructure heroes. Izet Ljajić, longtime director of the company “Putevi Novi Pazarput,” passed away at the age of 82, leaving an indelible mark on the development of roads and infrastructure in the region.
The Road Builder Who Connected a Region Ljajić was a civil engineer and a fighter for the infrastructural development of Sandžak. Born on September 5 in Duga Poljana, he continued his education in Kosovska Mitrovica and graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Sarajevo, specializing in low-rise construction. He spent most of his working life at the company “Novi Pazarput,” where he rose from technical director to director and remained in that position until retirement.
Over more than three decades, Ljajić was a key figure in the realization of major infrastructure projects throughout Sandžak. He was especially noted as the head of works on the Raška-Novi Pazar road route, which became a fundamental developmental corridor for the region.
Award-Winning Professional and Visionary His contributions to the profession were recognized with numerous awards, including the Order of Labor in 1985, as well as honors from regional chambers of commerce, the Serbian Ministry of Interior, and the Serbian Road Builders Association. He was a member of the Serbian Engineering Academy and the author of several professional papers on the maintenance and planning of roads in the Pešter plateau.
His dedication to systematic planning, professionalism, and respect for the profession remain a lasting contribution to the development of road infrastructure in this part of Serbia.
Family and Legacy Izet Ljajić leaves behind his wife Bisera, son Ertan, daughters Lahira and Amra, and brother Ismet. His life and work remain an example of dedication and love for his homeland.
Why Does This Matter? In times when infrastructure is often neglected, Ljajić’s work shows how important dedication and expertise are for regional development. His projects are not just roads—they are arteries connecting people, economy, and the future of Sandžak.
If you have ever driven on the Raška-Novi Pazar road, know that behind that asphalt stood a man who believed in a better future for his community.
Now, as we mourn this great man, maybe it’s time to ask—who will continue his mission? Who will build the roads tomorrow that connect rather than divide? Share your thoughts, memories, or anecdotes about Izet Ljajić—people like him deserve to be remembered and talked about.
Source: sandžačke.rs, Blic
