The inhabitants of Ravna Rijeka are furious over the main road connecting Bijelo Polje and Mojkovac, which has been excavated and left in a deplorable state. Construction equipment has been removed from the site, and there is no ongoing construction of a sidewalk for that road section.

The project is being managed by the Štrabag – Bemaks consortium, and residents have planned protests over these issues.

This segment is part of the reconstruction project for the Lepenac-Ribarevine-Poda-Berane road, valued at 36 million euros, excluding VAT. Construction began in August 2023, with a two-year timeline. This undertaking is notable for its scale, as approximately 40 kilometers are undergoing reconstruction simultaneously, and locals have reported similar road damage issues towards Berane, which is also experiencing reconstruction.

Residents of Zaton and Pod faced analogous challenges with the construction of lighting and pedestrian paths. After several protests and road blockades, they were able to urge the Municipality to draft a plan for sidewalks complete with lighting during the ongoing reconstruction of the Bijelo Polje – Berane main road, which is part of this larger initiative.

The issue in Ravna Rijeka was brought to attention by the acting president of the Ravna Rijeka Local Community, Gojko Nedović, who holds the Traffic Administration responsible for the current situation.

The Traffic Administration informed “Vijesti” that according to the Roads Law, the Municipality is accountable for all aspects related to the roads. They noted that they had forwarded a letter from the locals advocating for sidewalks to the Municipality of BIJELO POLJE back in February, cautioning that excessive delays in the continuation of the works due to the investor’s negligence could warrant penalties against the contractor.

The Municipality of Bijelo Polje acknowledged that they have a ready project awaiting revision.

Nedović expressed that residents are upset about sections of the road being covered in dirt, forming numerous potholes due to rainfall, and raised concerns about the lack of plans for constructing sidewalks, which are essential for the safety of all road users.

“Two months ago, we submitted a request to the Traffic Administration for the development of a pedestrian pathway and lighting on that segment, but we have yet to receive any response,” he stated.

Local citizens of the “Ravna Rijeka” community explained that during the renovation of the Bijelo Polje – Ribarevine road, a pedestrian path and lighting were constructed, which was not the case for the stretch from Ribarevine to the Slijepač bridge.

“Residents feel they have been unjustly treated, as if they were second-class citizens or politically undesirable,” Nedović commented.

The Municipality confirmed their awareness of the need to address the problems on the Ribarevine – Slijepac bridge road section. They assured that, like in previous cases with the local communities of Zaton and Poda, they will take necessary actions to achieve a sustainable resolution in collaboration with the Traffic Administration.

“The sidewalk construction project from Ribarevina to Ravna Rijeka has been completed; however, it requires revision to meet current technical and infrastructural standards. Additionally, the Municipality has initiated the preparation of project documentation for sidewalks and public lighting along the section from Ravna Rijeka to Slijepač bridge, with completion expected soon,” stated Mensur Hajdarpašić, Secretary of the Secretariat for Investments, to “Vijesti.”

He highlighted that this is a complex infrastructural undertaking, as the area where the sidewalks are planned includes water supply systems, power lines, and telecommunications infrastructure, all of which must be relocated before construction can proceed.

“Thus, addressing this matter requires thorough planning and inter-agency cooperation. The municipality remains devoted to finding a solution and believes that through constructive dialogue and collaboration with the Traffic Directorate, an approach can be developed that would allow for the project’s realization in the best interest of all citizens,” concluded Hajdarpašić.

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