The Ministry of Public Works has selected a joint bid worth 2.333.325 euros from the Nikšić-based companies "Ramel", "LD gradnja", "Stambeno" and Danilovgrad-based "Timing" in the tender for the adaptation of the old Government building for the needs of the Special State Prosecutor's Office (SDT) and the Special Police Department (SPO).
The tender was announced at the end of August, lasted until the beginning of November, and its estimated value was 2.335.300 euros. The decision on the selection of the contractor can be appealed within ten days.
"Ramel" and the other companies will have at least a month and a half and a maximum of three months to complete the adaptation work, while they will have to provide a guarantee for the work for at least two years. "Bemax" also participated in the tender, with subcontractors "Montinspekt", "Bauriss" and "Termosistem", but were excluded due to an incorrectly completed declaration.
"The Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of Public Works remain committed to the transparent and efficient implementation of public procurement, as well as the improvement of infrastructure in the service of the public interest. By implementing this public procurement, SDT and SPO will receive adequate spatial capacities, suitable for the unhindered performance of their function, which is of great importance for strengthening the rule of law and progressing EU accession," the Ministry of Public Works previously announced.
It took the executive branch more than three years to take the first steps to renovate and adapt the old government building, which has been empty for years, to the needs of the SDT and SPO after several decisions made during the 43rd and 44th governments. In June 2023, the then Minister of Justice Marko Kovač announced that for the Government, "the priority is to move the SDT and SPO to the old government building," and the former Prime Minister also announced the imminent move. Dritan Abazovic, and then the former Minister of Justice Andrej Milović, at the very beginning of his term in the 44th Government.
The Supreme State Prosecutor's Office previously stated in a response to "Vijesti" that the lack of adequate working space seriously hinders the efficient functioning of the Special State Prosecutor's Office.
"Employees work in substandard offices, which significantly affects their productivity and makes it difficult to perform complex and responsible tasks. An excessive number of state prosecutors and employees often work in one office, which makes it difficult to work and take daily measures and actions aimed at detecting perpetrators of criminal offenses. There is no adequate space for the archive, nor for storing confiscated items, especially narcotics and weapons. Working in such conditions is inappropriate and requires urgent resolution so that prosecutors' offices can fight all forms of crime more effectively," the VDT said.
The Embassy of the United States of America (USA) has purchased and donated some of the furniture and IT equipment, which have long been located in some of the 110 offices of the old government building. The SDT and SPO, on whose results Montenegro's progress in EU negotiations largely depends, work in cramped offices, where special prosecutors, associates, administrators, and police officers have long been overwhelmed with cases, registers, archives...
The first conclusion of the Government to relocate the SDT and SPO was made on July 6, 2023, and then a donation was agreed with representatives of the European Union Support to the Rule of Law in Montenegro - Eurol III project and the US Embassy in Montenegro in the form of financing the preparation of a feasibility study for the old building, as well as the procurement of office furniture and IT equipment.
The government later tasked the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, in cooperation with the State Property Administration, to undertake further activities to carry out the adaptation work of the old building, but while the papers were in their hands, nothing was done for years.
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