Montenegro is set to cancel a pre-qualification tender for the construction of the 22-km Matesevo-Andrijevica section of the Bar-Boljare motorway. This decision comes in response to requests from the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which are financing the project. A new tender will be launched immediately, allowing all companies to participate, including those previously disqualified.
Key Takeaways
- Montenegro will cancel the current tender for the Matesevo-Andrijevica section of the Bar-Boljare motorway.
- A new tender will be opened to all companies, addressing local protests and previous disqualifications.
- The construction of this section is valued at approximately €604.6 million.
- The Bar-Boljare motorway is part of European transport Corridor XI, enhancing connectivity between Montenegro and neighboring countries.
Background of the Project
The Bar-Boljare motorway is a significant infrastructure project aimed at connecting the Adriatic port of Bar in southern Montenegro to the northern border with Serbia. The motorway is expected to facilitate trade and tourism, boosting the local economy.
The first section of the motorway, the 41 km Smokovac-Matesevo stretch, was completed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and opened for traffic in July 2022. The Matesevo-Andrijevica section will be the second phase of this ambitious project.
Reasons for the New Tender
The decision to cancel the current tender and initiate a new one stems from several factors:
- Local Protests: Residents have raised concerns regarding the route of the motorway, prompting a review of the planned path.
- Limited Competition: The ongoing tender had shortlisted only firms from China, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, limiting competition and potentially impacting project quality.
- EU and EBRD Involvement: Both the EU and EBRD have emphasized the need for a more inclusive tender process to ensure transparency and fairness.
Financial Aspects
The construction of the Matesevo-Andrijevica section is estimated to cost around €604.6 million. The funding structure includes:
- EBRD Loan: €200 million
- European Commission Grant: €100 million, with a potential second tranche of €100 million
- Montenegro’s Contribution: €153 million from national funds
This financial backing underscores the importance of the project not only for Montenegro but also for regional connectivity within Europe.
Future Implications
The cancellation of the tender is expected to delay the start of construction works, which were initially planned for this year. However, the new tender process aims to foster a more competitive environment, potentially leading to better project outcomes.
The Bar-Boljare motorway is a crucial component of European transport Corridor XI, which connects Italy’s Bari with Romania’s Bucharest via Montenegro and Serbia. This infrastructure development is anticipated to enhance trade routes and improve access to the Adriatic Sea, benefiting both Montenegro and its neighboring countries.
In conclusion, while the cancellation of the current tender may pose short-term delays, the move towards a more inclusive and competitive bidding process is likely to yield long-term benefits for Montenegro’s infrastructure and economy.
