Section Klopče-Donja Gračanica: Work for the construction sector, 700 workers, 100 engineers

In Sarajevo, a contract was signed for the construction of the Corridor Vc section Klopče - Pečuj (Donja Gračanica) with a total length of 5.78 kilometres. The contract was signed by Jasmin Bučo, acting director of JP Autoceste d.o.o. Mostar as the investor, and Hamed Ramić, director of Euro-Asfalt d.o.o. Sarajevo, at the head of the consortium, as well as Denis Lasić, Minister of Transport and Communications of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a co-signatory, and on behalf of the contractor Josip Kuzmanić, regional director of Strabag AG, Austria, reports the Patria news agency.

The start of works on this section will open the first construction site on Corridor Vc for a new investment cycle worth 892 million euros.

- The signing of this contract is the result of hard work by the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, because in the meantime significant decisions were made to resolve the problems that previously prevented the continuation of construction on this section. A loan of 36 million euros was agreed with the EBRD, which finally closed the financial structure - emphasised Minister Lasić.

As explained, the major works on the Klopče - Pečuj (Donja Gračanica) section include the construction of four viaducts and two tunnels. The contract value is 107,879,289.94 euros including VAT, and funds have been secured through international financial institutions, the OPEC Fund for International Development and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The works should be completed two and a half years after their start.

- The construction deadline is 30 months. 5.8 km will be built, and the section includes four viaducts and one bridge 250 metres long over the Bosna River. This is one of the most complicated sections because it is being built on a landslide. 700 workers and 100 engineers will work. There will be work for the construction sector. The local community will also benefit, especially quarries and the Zenica Ironworks - emphasised Ramić.

Most of the funds for the new 84 kilometres have been agreed with international financial institutions.

- We have either set up a credible framework for closing the financial structure. Now we expect state institutions to continue with full commitment and complete the procedures that will result in the signing of the contract - emphasised Bučo, acting director of Autoceste FBiH.