We have received some great news from Snježana Dedich from Bolivia:
The Municipal Council of Santa Cruz de la Sierra has decided to name one of its streets in honor of Dante Pavisich Ribera, a distinguished civil engineer and military officer whose work significantly contributed to the urban development of the city.
Dante Pavisich was born in 1923 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the son of Frane Pavišić Obilinović, an immigrant from Dalmatia, and Concepción Ribera, a Bolivian native. During his childhood, the city lacked a continuous supply of potable water and electricity, and its streets were unpaved. As a young boy, he promised his mother that when he grew up, he would ensure she had electricity throughout the day.
He pursued his education in his hometown and abroad, completing his postgraduate studies in the United States. Upon returning to Bolivia, he dedicated himself to the infrastructure development of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. From 1966 onward, he led a street paving project using octagonal stone slabs, which were considered the best solution at the time. Some of these slabs are still preserved today as part of the city’s historical heritage. Additionally, he worked on improving the supply of potable water and electricity, ensuring that both services were available 24 hours a day.
Dante Pavisich married Olga Rita, with whom he had four daughters, who now live in different parts of the world. His legacy remains visible in the lasting transformations that shaped modern Santa Cruz de la Sierra. In recognition of his invaluable contributions to urbanization and the improvement of living conditions, the municipal authorities have decided to name a street in his honor.
Branka Bezić Filipović