Despite the threat to the economy due to the coronavirus virus epidemic, dismissals, a bad tourist year, as well as the closure of small and medium enterprises, plans are afoot the construction and sale of almost 1.000 apartments in Montenegro.
Namely, 120 construction permits and work applications have been issued in Montenegro, on the basis of which the construction of more than 55.000 square meters of housing units has been planned.
“In the first half of the year, 120 building permits and work applications were issued in Montenegro. According to the issued work applications, the construction of 973 apartments with a total area of 55,865 square meters is planned,” Mr Balša Rakčević, Secretary of the Board of the Construction Association at the Chamber of Commerce, told CDM.
The adverse effects of the pandemic on the business of construction companies, as he pointed out, were reflected in the lack of manpower, difficult import and supply of construction materials and equipment.
“The realization of the fourth phase of the Project for Solving the Housing Needs of Citizens under Favorable Conditions of a Thousand Plus is also important for the sector,” Mr Rakčević pointed out.
He pointed out that the process of work on the construction sites had to be adjusted to the recommendations of the health system, in order to preserve health and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
By 18% less employees
Despite ambitious plans in the construction market, coronavirus has cut employment in the industry by 18%.
“During the ten months of this year, an average of 11.473 workers were employed in the construction sector, which is 18 percent less than in the same period last year,” Mr Rakčević said.
He said that the planned construction works are continuing, but at a slower pace due to the current health situation.
Bar-Boljare highway
The COVID-19 pandemic also slowed down the works on the Bar-Boljare highway due to the impossibility of the arrival of workers from China.
In PKCG, they see a chance for recovery and further development in the construction sector in the continuation of capital projects.
