Construction of the Dukagjin Highway in pandemia times threatens even deeper flooding

This project is considered unnecessary, at a time when Kosovo is facing an economic crisis due to the pandemic caused by Coronavirus, says Skender Krasniqi, director at the Kosovo Afarism Oda.

For this highway, 200 thousand euros were earmarked in the Project next year, and another 200 thousand euros have been earmarked for 2022 and 2023, generally worth 600 euros. The Kosovo government at the end of October has approved the draft budget for 2021.

Krasniqi: Funds focused on infrastructure, government error

Focusing funds on large public projects, mainly road infrastructure, is the wrong decision in this crisis period, Krasniqi says, paving that budgetary revenues this year and next year can be reduced.

The government must support businesses, local production, export because it has an extremely bad situation in export-import report. We have repeatedly demanded that the priority government have the support of crisis-overcoming businesses so that Kosovo does not get into an even more serious economic development catastrophe because the effects of pandemic will be carried back next year”, Krasniqi said.

Due losses to Kosovo's economy since March this year, caused by the pandemic, according to business representatives, are estimated to be one billion euros, while by the end of the year, more than 30,000 jobs could be lost.

Bektash: Effective budgetary management required

Even Majid Bektash, professor at the University of Pristina, stresses that the economy is facing emergencies, businesses because of pandemic have reduced the number of workers, therefore increasing the poverty rate.

The economy in this situation, he says, needs financial support for businesses and social cases.

The government must create financial reserves in order to create reservations to help businesses that are ahead of bankruptcy, perhaps half of them cannot function next year. But let's not forget that we have a very difficult social situation in Kosovo, so good management” is required, Bektas points out.

Krasniqi: Government No Concern for Economic Development

But, Skender Krasniqi tells Radio Free Europe, that the government is not worried about economic development and the welfare of citizens.

With the consequences of pandemic, business will face next year. So the government has had to change its strategy, even by giving up building this highway. Focus should be economic development, through support of private businesses, and the budget is packed”, he says.

Bektash: If we destroy the economy we don't need highways

Public investments financed by the budget are necessary, but at this time can be suspended, Bektash says.

If we destroy the economy, we don't need highways or infrastructure objects. Therefore, the government needs to focus quickly on recovery and helping businesses. No, only the government, but many municipalities also act to save businesses”, Bektash points out.

The highway connecting the towns of Istog ão Peja Decan '% Gjakova and Prizren was designed by the past government, led by former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj. This highway is estimated to be one of the longest on Kosovo's territory, with a length of 91 km.

Road infrastructure has largely dominated investments in Kosovo in recent years. In addition to highways, large investments have also focused on building local and magical roads. The largest percentage of Kosovo's budget is usually divided precisely for highway construction.

Currently, the construction route is also under way, Pristina XIlan Koncul, which is expected to connect Kosovo with southern Serbia, to the Presevo Valley, respectively.

The first highway built in Kosovo was the one that connects Kosovo with Albania, called the “Road of the Nation Ibrahim Rugova”.

Last year, however, the “Arba Xhaferi” highway, which runs from Pristina to Han, Elez, bordering northern Macedonia, has been completed.