Prime minister Dusko Markovic has visited the Klopot tunnel construction site at the Bar-Boljare highway priority section today. He has noted that the works on this demanding structure are very intensive and that they are conducted under the highest standards. At more than half sections there are intensive works on over 24 kilometres of the route.
“Not only that I’m satisfied, but I’m impressed. Our audit committee is working intensively and it will be able to respond to other contractors’ requests soon. I believe everything is going as planned and I believe the investment in the project, which is the most important and the largest in the history of Montenegro, will be implemented in line with our expectations and obligations arising from the agreement. It will be crucially important for Montenegro, for its development and improving life quality of its people,” he added.
Speaking about the number of the workers and Montenegrin companies engaged in the project, Markovic said that all agreement elements have been executed in a proper manner.
“The Ministry of Transport has issued 61 approvals for engaging 73 domestic companies for the site works. Between 226 and 230 Montenegrin citizens were hired in January, which was pursuant to the contractual obligation of 30% labour force,” he said.
In addition, MP expects that this year all assets planned under the capital budget for the construction of the highway priority section will be used.
“I want all €194.3m allocated for the highway under the capital budget to be spent this year. It is our goal… The contractor and we as investors have no intention to engage more than €200–€300m in this year, which guarantees that the works will be performed in the best possible dynamics,” said Markovic.
He noted that there is a good cooperation, both between the relevant institutions and government bodies involved in the project, as well as with contractors. He also said that expert teams cooperate and provide quick solutions to all the challenges the site poses. The proof of this is the picture that can be seen on the site, the PM said.
Markovic called in mind that 9 permits had been issued so far. Out of a total of 19 subsections, all the applications have been in the final stage of processing and the PM is convinced the biggest part of that work will be completed by the end of March.
Commenting on the loan agreement in dollars, Markovic said that there was no need to fear in advance: “In one moment, it might be in our favour and not at the expense of the government. In any case, the Ministry of Finance carefully monitors this segment and we will have a valid response in this sense if it is necessary,” Markovic pointed out.
When it comes to land expropriation, he explained that on such a large construction site certain issues related to expropriation compensation might appear.
It is done in accordance with the law and no citizen will be left without fair compensation for their land, he said.
“Our interest is to move the Andrijevica–Boljare section as soon as we finish the priority section. At the same time we are talking with the Serbian government to ensure they start works towards our border,” the PM said.
