INVESTMENT IN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE BRINGS GREATER DEVELOPMENT

Janković said that this year as well, "Putevi" /Roads/ will allocate around BAM 140 million for regular and investment maintenance, as well as for direct investments in road infrastructure.

Interviewer: Bojan REČEVIĆ BANJA LUKA, JULY 1 /SRNA/ – Acting Director of "Putevi Republike Srpske" /Roads of Republika Srpska/ Miroslav Janković stated that the construction of modern and contemporary road infrastructure enables faster movement of people and goods, stimulating the development of Republika Srpska. "It is better not to waste two or three hours in transport if we can reduce it to half an hour. Realistically, the number of vehicles is increasing everywhere, including Republika Srpska, year after year. This results in increased traffic load and accelerated road deterioration. Therefore, we must respond to this and use new and modern materials in road construction," Janković told SRNA in an interview. GREATER INVESTMENT IN MAINTENANCE NEEDED He noted that with the funds available, "Putevi" maintains roads at a satisfactory level, and expressed hope that the importance of greater investments in this area will be recognized by the relevant authorities. "Let's be realistic, in the region, or BiH, the least is allocated to road infrastructure from various sources of financing," Janković said. He explained that "Putevi" continually invests in improving traffic safety across the 4,250 km network of main and regional roads it manages. "Through regular maintenance, we invest significant funds in traffic signs, guardrails, and other elements to increase road safety. Unfortunately, accidents happen, but in most cases they are caused by drivers. The condition of the road only influences accidents in a very small percentage, but we are aware that it does occur. Therefore, we work continuously to eliminate such deficiencies for safer roads," Janković said. He emphasized that under European regulations, the company should renew at least 10% of its network annually /425 km/, costing around BAM 400 million, while their budget is almost ten times smaller. "It is very difficult to make something for BAM 1 if it costs BAM 10. But we strive to do the best possible job with the resources available and manage them responsibly," Janković stressed. REHABILITATION OF KLAŠNICE-GRADIŠKA EXPRESSWAY He said that this year, "Putevi" will allocate about BAM 140 million for regular and investment maintenance and direct investments in road infrastructure. "Key projects include the rehabilitation of the Klašnice–Gradiška expressway, and works are ongoing on the Srbac-Derventa Šešlije main road, as well as Vršani-Bijeljina. Work should soon begin on the Karakaj-Zvornik-Divič route," Janković said. He noted that works are ongoing on the Vlasenica-Han Pijesak road, as well as the Han Pijesak-Sokolac section, thus fully covering the Romanija plateau. "In that region, repairs will also be carried out on the damaged Ustiprača and Tišća bridges," Janković added. SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF EBRD NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE SECTION TO THE TARA BRIDGE EXPECTED BY END OF AUGUST He stated that near Foča, the first 5.5 km of the Foča–Šćepan Polje road, from Brod na Drini to Donji Kopilovi, are in the final stage, with only a bridge remaining, for which funding has been secured. "The Tara bridge is financed equally by the Ministry of Transport and Communications of BiH, the Ministry of Transport of Montenegro, and `Putevi Republike Srpske`, with a total investment of BAM 13.5 million. Construction is expected to take 36 months, but I believe some parts will be completed sooner," Janković noted. He said the estimated cost of the remaining 12.6 km section from Donji Kopilovi to the Tara bridge, between BiH and Montenegro, is EUR 91 million, and negotiations are ongoing with the World Bank and EBRD. "We have completed negotiations with the World Bank and signed the final agreement. Negotiations with EBRD will continue until the end of August, and we expect successful completion, enabling full financing and tendering for construction. It is a geologically complex section with many bridges. Those who think this should have been done earlier must understand that the investment exceeds the entire annual budget of `Putevi`, which cannot be spent on just one project while other roads across Republika Srpska also need attention," Janković emphasized, expressing hope that the entire Foča–Šćepan Polje road, including the Tara bridge, will be completed within deadlines. TENDER FOR TATINAC BRIDGE IN KALINOVIK SOON He announced that a tender for the 44-meter-long Tatinac bridge in Kalinovik will soon be published, and highlighted that the eastern bypass in Trebinje is under intensive construction. Janković added that landslides on the Podgradci-Markovica and Kozarac-Mrakovica roads were fully repaired in the past two months, while partial repairs were carried out on the Karanovac-Kneževo section. "We also had an issue with a landslide at Čemerno pass, where repairs are nearing completion," Janković said. He concluded that he is not fully satisfied with the company's operations, as there are areas for improvement. "However, the situation is improving. The company is liquid and meets all its legal obligations, so we have no financial problems in that regard," Janković emphasized.