AGREEMENT ON STAGE 2 OF VIJENAC TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION SIGNED
CEOs of FBiH Motorways, Euro-Asfalt and GP, Ensad Karić, Hamed Ramić and Asim Nanić respectively, signed a construction agreement worth 47.73 million KM. FBiH Minister of Transport and Communications Enver Bijedić joined as a co-signatory. The project is expected to last 12 months, after which the motorway connecting Sarajevo and Zenica shall be complete.
FBiH Motorways CEO Ensad Karić stated that the Tunnel “1st of March” represents a successful joint endeavour between the FBiH Motorways and domestic companies. He added that, following the completion of Stage 2, this will be the longest tunnel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one of the most technologically advanced tunnels in the region. The tunnel itself is currently one of the most challenging structures on the 5c Corridor.
Karić noted that, thanks to this project, in 12 months the citizens will finally have a direct motorway link between Sarajevo and Zenica. He especially underlined the fact that domestic companies are engaged in this project, which will provide them with an importance reference for the future.
Karić explained that, during talks with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the FBiH Motorways negotiated equal treatment for domestic companies. He noted that 20% of the total cost will be covered by liquidated damages. With this agreement, the total value of investments in the past 20 months has exceeded one billion KM.
“Let me extend my congratulations to Euro-Asfalt and GP. I wish them success, and I am sure we shall meet again here in 12 months to open the tunnel, as well as the completed Sarajevo-Zenica motorway,” Karić added. Euro-Asfalt CEO Hamed Ramić stated that this agreement proves domestic construction companies are capable of handling even the most challenging projects. Such projects can further contribute to the economic recovery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. FBiH Minister of Transport and Communications Enver Bijedić underlined that the construction works on the Tunnel “1st of March” (Vijenac Tunnel) are progressing ahead of schedule thanks to the commitment of the FBiH Motorways.
Zenica-Doboj Canton Prime Minister Fikret Plevljak stated: “Projects such as this one help to restore hope and confidence among Bosnians and Herzegovinians in our own ability to build a better future together.” The FBiH Prime Minister, Nermin Nikšić, added that the integration prospects for Bosnia and Herzegovina rely on the construction of road links which are doing a better job connecting people and the entire BiH than the politicians are. The final breakthrough of the Vijenac Tunnel (Tunnel “1st of March”) was accomplished on the Independence Day, the 1st of March, 2013. This marked the completion of Stage 1 along the entire length of the tunnel. A consortium of Euro-Asfalt Sarajevo and ŽGP Sarajevo has been selected, following the evaluation of received bids, for the Stage 2 of the Tunnel “1st of March”. The tender criteria were defined in a way to provide equal treatment to domestic companies. The Stage 2 of the Tunnel “1st of March” construction project envisions waterproofing, drainage, secondary shoring, paving of the road surface, and electrical wiring.
The deadline for completion of the project is March 2014. After that, the entire motorway section Drivuša-Kakanj, i.e. the Sarajevo-Zenica motorway, will be complete.
Quelle: Klix.ba
