The third public-private partnership (PPP) package for construction of the D1 highway section between Hričovské Podhradie and Dubná Skala has been scrapped and the four-party Coalition Council decided on December 13 that the construction of the Višňové tunnel will be started in 2011 with EU and state funds, the SITA newswire reported.
Construction of other sections of the highway in the area of Žilina will start within two years according to Transport Minister Ján Figeľ who told SITA that the tunnel should be completed in 2016. The method for funding additional highway stretches that were part of the third PPP is still open and they will be built either through a new PPP project or a re-tender that will be announced for their construction.
Figeľ stated he believes that the EU is the cheapest source of funds for building highways. Prime Minister Iveta Radičová said that the obligation to repay PPP projects for 30 years is inappropriate and that Slovakia would not be able to afford further PPP projects, stating “therefore we were seeking a solution. The tunnel which is the most expensive item will be built for the cheapest money, EU funds and the state budget; while the rest of the highway will be financed through PPP projects."
According to the prime minister this solution should be cheaper by €3 billion. A new tender will be announced for this construction, she specified. Figeľ has already submitted a PPP package for construction of the Žilina highway to the government for approval but the SaS party requested that the Coalition Council should first make a decision on such projects.
Source: SITA
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
