Bijelo Polje: Machines have already arrived in Gorice, there will be a road

The contractor's machines are already in Kovren, where preparatory work on the reconstruction and asphalting of local roads on the Kovren - Gorice section in the municipality of Bijelo Polje, 3,21 kilometers long, and Tomaševo - Sokolac, municipality of Bijelo Polje, nine kilometers long, is beginning these days.

This was confirmed to "Vijesti" by a source at the Ministry of Public Works, who had previously denied the Mayor's statement. Petar Smolović, who at the last session of the local parliament, criticizing the capital budget, expressed suspicion that these funds may even have been deleted from the state budget.

These are road routes that are in a catastrophic state, something that locals have been pointing out for decades.

Local representative Momcilo Kojovic, Pointing to the obstructions of the Municipality, he recalled that, despite the fact that the 2025 budget allocated funds for the Kovren - Gorice and Pavino Polje - Sokolac roads, Smolović refused to implement these projects, while the Municipality repeatedly reiterated that there were no obstructions.

"That is why in June last year, the Ministry (MJR) took over the responsibility, and the project terms of reference were signed by the Citizens' Association "Vraneš". When it comes to implementing the procedure by the end of 2025, tenders have been successfully completed, a supervisory body has been selected, and contracts with contractors have been signed, which include bank guarantees and deadlines of six months," he said.

Explaining the reasons why the works did not begin earlier this year, Kojović reminded that snow is still falling on sections located over 1.100 meters above sea level, and low temperatures do not allow for quality asphalt work.

Commenting on part of Smolović's statement that it is possible that projects were removed from the budget, Kojović said that this was malicious manipulation.

"The projects have been transferred to 2026 and will be implemented. It is less important whether the work will start in April or June - the most important thing is that the work is done with quality and according to professional rules," said Kojović.

The Ministry of Public Works has previously confirmed that it is not true that the project has been withdrawn.

"These are exclusively works that cannot be carried out before the start of the construction season due to possible lower temperatures. Everything that the Ministry has undertaken will be completed," said a source for "Vijesti", adding that Smolović's statement in the local parliament is "classic political manipulation", recalling that in the past he has obstructed construction and even refused to sign the project terms of reference.

The estimated investment value for the Kovren - Gorice road route is 203.080 euros excluding VAT. This project, as well as the reconstruction of the Tomaševo - Sokolac road route, which is also expected, worth 661.157 euros excluding VAT, are being financed from the budget of Montenegro.