Transport reforms too slow

THE MOVEMENT for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS) has criticised the current government's handling of transport sector reforms. The privatisation of public bus, air, and water transport companies was not sufficiently prepared, say the largest opposition party. HZDS shadow minister of transport Ján Mikolaj even labeled it "messy." He praised the fact that the Transport Ministry allocated Sk10 billion for investment construction this year, but he says the figure still represents only 60 per cent of the funds available for investment into the sector in 1998.