Shishkov: Summer Road Repairs to End Within Two Weeks.

In response to the tourism sector’s concerns over summer roadworks, the minister assured that the restrictions are temporary and will soon be lifted: The repairs will be completed within two weeks. He stressed that no serious disruptions for tourists are expected in July and August.

Last year, the repairs continued until mid-July. We started them with the clear understanding that we would create a temporary problem, but at a time when it could be tolerated. These activities will be completed by the end of the month, he said.

According to Shishkov, however, some of the works are illegal, as issues with the respective section were identified back in 2021. He also recalled that he filed a report with the prosecution regarding violations in Lot 4 between the Pleven and Letnitsa interchanges.

The construction permit for this section was signed by former Regional Minister Ivan Ivanov from the government of Rosen Zhelyazkov. According to him, this was an attempt to index nearly 1 billion to the detriment of the state.

Truly monstrous things are coming to light, Shishkov commented.

He added that the ministry will first prepare the project documentation. In the meantime, he said, a solution will have to be found within the state budget to complete the ongoing motorways.

These include the Black Sea Motorway and the Ruse–Makaza route. Shishkov stated that Bulgaria’s infrastructure is significantly underdeveloped and that even neighboring countries are showing interest in its development.

He also noted that the current difference lies in having a parliamentary majority capable of influencing legislation and sector policies.