site.btaRoad Infrastructure Agency to Prepare Tenders for Winter Road Maintenance

Bulgarian caretaker Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Shishkov assigned the Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) to draw up public procurement documents for winter road maintenance under a simplified procedure within 10 days, Shishkov's Ministry said in a press release. Shishkov said that this was a matter of "national security".

The most pressing problems of the construction industry were discussed at a meeting with representatives of the Bulgarian Construction Chamber and the Bulgarian Branch Chamber Roads on Monday. The Regional Development Minister called on the companies to behave responsibly so that winter maintenance during the upcoming season is ensured within the framework. 

The RIA started the preparation of the procedures before the caretaker cabinet took office and they are already finalizing documents for the next stage of road maintenance, Shishkov also said. 

In a few days, a report will be submitted to the Ministry regarding the payments under the old road maintenance contracts, said Bulgarian Branch Chamber Roads Chairkov Stefan Chaikov. He pointed out that the State owes BGN 720 million to the road construction companies. BGN 200 million can be paid because they do not need approval by the National Assembly. The rest of the money are blocked by the resolution of Parliament. "We are already engaged a dialogue with the state, and we hope it will continue," noted Chaikov.

Shishkov explained that the payments will be effected after verification. On Monday it transpired that, if necessary, RIA's budget will be restructured so that the amounts can be disbursed.

"We will do everything possible to pay for the completed construction on the major infrastructure works: the first three sections of the Hemus Motorway and the Vidin - Botevgrad road, so that their implementation is not delayed," the Minister added.

Within ten days, the methodology for the inflation adjustment of the contracts will be finalized together with the Finance Ministry, after which it will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval. This became possible after revisions to the Public Procurement Act were gazetted. Within a day or two, the branch organizations will also submit proposals for the methodology.

Adjustment of the work of designers and consultants for inflation was also demanded by the Advisory Council of branch organizations in the field of spatial development, investment design and construction, with whom Shishkov conferred later on Monday. He urged them to submit to-the-point proposals as soon as possible so that the methodology can be finalized soon.