Croatian, Bosnian construction minister expect construction of bridge over Sava in near future

Photo /arhiva/nsl-sa.jpg
Croatian Transport Minister Sinisa Hajdas Doncic and his Bosnian counterpart Damir Hadzic in Sarajevo on Wednesday expressed expectations that the construction of two bridges over the Sava River at Svilaj and Gradiska, to be co-financed by the two countries with the supported by the European Commission, would start in June and at the start of next year respectively after the completion of all technical and financial procedures.

"I truly believe that, following regulations of the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, construction work on the Bridge at Svilaj could be launched in June," the Croatian minister told a news conference after talks with his Bosnian counterpart.

He added that the building permit must be issued for the bridge at Gradiska and the necessary studies needed to be drawn up in line with demands of European financial funds and banks which are expected to support Croatia in this project. Hajdas Doncic underlined the bridge at Gradiska was exceptionally important for Croatia.

He added Croatia wanted Bosnia and the countries in the region to be integrated with road and railway corridors and to resolve issues such as connecting Croatia's south with the rest of the country.

Hajdas Doncic, however, declined to comment on which of the proposal he personally advocated when it came to connecting Croatia's south in the Neum region, saying that European Commission representatives are working on a feasibility study which will offer a solution after which Croatia will be able to apply for EU cohesion and structural funds.

The meeting in Sarajevo, which was also attended by representatives of both Bosnian entities, focused on harmonisation of joint spatial and project solutions and taking control over the air traffic over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Hajdas Doncic said Croatia did not contest Bosnia's sovereignty over its skies, stressing that Croatia had showed maximum support to its Bosnian colleagues regarding the implementation of the action plan for taking control over skies.

After the meeting, Hajdas Doncic told reporters he was satisfied with the talks, adding that the construction of the bridge at Gradiska would start early next year.

Minister Hadzic said the bids for building the Svilaj bridge across the Sava river would be open on 18 March, which would pave the way for the start of work by June.


(Hina)


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