Employers to Sue JP Ceste FBiH Over Damages Caused by Vranduk Tunnel Reconstruction

SARAJEVO, (Patria) -  At the last session of the Management Board of the Employers' Association of FBiH held earlier this week, the problems of damage suffered by the BiH economy due to the reconstruction of the Vranduk tunnel, as well as the possible consequences of the announced reconstruction of the Crnaja tunnel, were discussed. 

At the session, it was emphasized that the reconstruction of the Vranduk tunnel, which has been ongoing since last autumn, has already caused enormous damage to the BiH economy, and some estimates suggest that the damage to the economy and the population amounts to around one million KM per day. It was also stated that due to the impossibility of normal and timely communication, some companies have been forced to close parts of their businesses located in other cities and lay off workers. 

Members of the Management Board of the UPFBiH emphasized that someone must bear responsibility for the damage caused, especially considering that the investor and contractors did not ensure an adequate alternative route in a timely manner. Namely, this route, which was supposed to be used as an alternative, had not been previously repaired and prepared for use by freight and other motor vehicles, so it cannot be used. The alternative route was repaired simultaneously with the reconstruction of the Vranduk tunnel, which is unacceptable. The greatest responsibility for the major damage that threatens traffic safety on the alternative route lies with the Public Enterprise Roads of the Federation of BiH, because they did not coordinate its preparation in a timely manner for the smooth flow of passenger and freight traffic, the Management Board of the Employers' Association of FBiH announced on Thursday. 

Employers also question the duration of the deadlines for the reconstruction works on the Vranduk tunnel, which last 18 months, especially, they said, considering the fact that this is the main road communication and economic link between the north and south. 

Due to all of the above, businessmen asked the UPFBiH to initiate, on their behalf, a procedure for compensation of damages by filing a lawsuit against JP Ceste FBiH.

Given the announced reconstruction of the Crnaja tunnel on the M17 road route, also one of the key roads in BiH, the Management Board of the UPFBiH warns the Government of FBiH and JP Ceste FBiH that works on the reconstruction of the Crnaja tunnel must not begin before the works on the reconstruction of the Vranduk tunnel are completed. 

Employers emphasize that if works on the reconstruction of the Crnaja tunnel begin before the Vranduk tunnel is completed, there would be two traffic stoppages on the M17 road route, which connects the north and south and is a lifeline, which is completely unacceptable for BiH businessmen and would lead to damages for the economy that can be measured in hundreds of millions of KM. 

Also, the Management Board of the UPFBiH demands from the Government of FBiH and JP Ceste FBiH that before the start of the reconstruction of the Crnaja tunnel, an adequate alternative route for the smooth flow of freight and passenger traffic is ensured. If an adequate road route is not ensured, the Management Board of the UPFBiH announces a collective lawsuit for compensation of damages. 

The Management Board of the UPFBiH emphasizes that no one is against the reconstruction of road infrastructure, but it is not clear why this work is not approached in a coordinated manner and in accordance with activities on the construction of Corridor 5c, the Management Board of the Employers' Association of FBiH announced.