Podgorica expects an investment boom: Roads, water supply network, reconstruction of capital facilities

Podgorica is expected to experience a strong investment boom in the coming months - from roads and water supply networks, to the reconstruction of capital facilities such as Podgorica Street, the Ljubović Shooting Center and Slobode Street, announced Bajko Vučićević, director of the Podgorica Construction and Development Agency, in the morning program of Television Vijesti "Boje jutra".

Speaking about current activities, Vučićević stated that works are underway on Slobode Street, on the road near the Small Sports Stadium, as well as at several locations in the city, including parts of Radovan Zogović and Ivo Andrić streets, and a new road in Zagorič. Although weather conditions have slowed down the dynamics in the previous two months, the Agency, as he pointed out, is ready to welcome the stabilization of the weather.

"We have active tenders worth over four million euros, while around 2,5 million euros are ready for the introduction of contractors into the work. A very intense period awaits us," said Vučićević.

He said that last year, despite the challenges and the late adoption of the work program, ended with almost complete implementation of planned budget funds, including 5,6 million euros for the construction of roads and a record collection of utilities of around 28 million euros.

Traffic remains one of the key priorities. The completion of the reconstruction of Vojislavljevića Street, which is being implemented by the Capital City and the Government of Montenegro, should relieve transit through Podgorica. The Western Bypass, the continuation of Veljko Vlahović Boulevard, as well as several new and reconstructed city streets are also planned, but the implementation of some projects is being slowed down by unresolved property and legal relations.

"This is one of the biggest challenges we face. Funds for expropriation have been provided for certain streets, but the dynamics also depend on the consent of the owners," explained Vučićević.

When it comes to water infrastructure, more than 800 thousand euros are planned this year for the construction and improvement of the network in Smokovac, Veruša, Gornja Vrbica and Mali Brdo. The Director of the Agency points out that along with the reconstruction of roads, water supply, sewage and other installations are usually also renovated.

Among the capital projects, the reconstruction of Podgoričanka, the renovation of the Ljubović Shooting Center and the construction of the Fair and Congress Center stand out. A project based on the "Spiral of Encounter" conceptual design was contracted for Podgoričanka, and according to Vučićević, the facility will have to be additionally structurally strengthened in order to meet modern standards.

"The project will be completed in the next few months, followed by the procedure for selecting a contractor. Funds have been secured and I believe we could start work by the end of the year," he said.

SC Ljubović is planned as a multifunctional hall with movable stands with a capacity of up to 2.000 seats and conditions for holding international competitions, while money has already been planned for the design of the Fair and Congress Center, which will be built in the Agro-Industrial Zone at the Old Airport.

"In the coming weeks, we can announce a public call for design. It is a facility of about 25 thousand square meters, which will be one of the largest in the capital," said Vučićević.

Speaking about Slobode Street, he stated that the works have been slowed down due to heavy rainfall and additional technical requirements, but that the road is expected to be functional by mid-March. Works on the City Theater building are also in the final stages, and are expected to open in May.