Road infrastructure improvement in the Rhodope cross-border region

Dimcho Mihalevski: Investments for road infrastructure improvement in the Rhodope cross-border region top BGN 90 million

Bulgaria’s deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Dimcho Mihalevski and Entechnos – Bulgaria/Greece CEO Christos Stilianidis signed contract for partial reconstruction of the Sokolovtsi-Smolyan-Srednogotsi state road. The contract was singed in the town f Smolyan. The project is funded under the PHARE Cross-Border Cooperation Program Bulgaria – Greece. It is estimated at EUR 10 632 116, 40. The first sod of road’s intercept was turned by Minister of regional Development and Public Works Asen Gagauzov.
Minister Mihalevski in interview to Focus – Smolyan Radio

FOCUS: Mr. Mihalevski, the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Sokolovtsi-Srednogortsi road has been already started. Can you tell us something more about the project and the institutions that assisted to its realization?
Dimcho Mihalevski: In fact, we finalized one of the stages in the general policy about road infrastructure reconstruction in the Rhodope mountain region. The project is realized under the PHARE Cross-Border Cooperation Program Bulgaria – Greece, and it was part of our general policy in partnership with the Greek authorities for identification of projects key to the region.
The local authorities and local communities had a highly important role in project’s programming. The municipalities include din the project – Smolyan and Madan, were very active too. I want to stress that this is the second project realized under the PHARE Cross-Border Cooperation program, realized on the North – South vertical.
I want to stress that the investment that is to be made in the realization of these projects and programs is estimated at over BGN 90 million.

FOCUS: You said that the Rudozem-Ksanti road would be finished by 2008. Is this deadline realistic, as there is some scheduling setback on behalf of Greece, and what exactly does Greek do to contribute to the opening of the border checkpoints to Bulgaria?
Dimcho Mihalevski: I want to point out that within H1 ’08 we will be ready with our part of the intersect from Rudozen to the border. Greek Minister of Education Euripidis Stilianidis and me, we held a special meeting to examine the construction of the road and the development of the new border checkpoints. He is a great partner, whose efforts made it possible to open the Ilinden - Gotse Delchev border checkpoints.

FOCUS: Is there any news about the Arda – Paranesti – Drama? How do you evaluate the efforts of the local authorities to realize this highly important project?
Dimcho Mihalevski: All the efforts are made respond to requirements of the local authorities and local communities, which were the engines to both the Zlatograd - Termes and Gorna Arda - Paranesti roads. As I already pointed out, Greece has some ready plans for action.

FOCUS: Are the municipalities ready to apply for the Regional Development program?
Dimcho Mihalevski: The municipalities are ready not only for the program for regional development, but also for the operative programs connected to environment and development of the village regions. The municipal plans for development are adequate and up-to-date. They meet the plans of the entrepreneurs in the Smolyan region.

FOCUS: The government, and the ministry of regional development in particular, realized many important projects in Smolyan Municipality. Can you tell us more about the investment made and projects’ state of development?
Dimcho Mihalevski: As a matter of fact, it is hard to estimate the total investment made in the region. However, I cannot miss to mention that apart from the road infrastructure, we also responded to the demands of local authorities and tourist entrepreneurs for the development of the resorts – Pamporovo, Raykovski Livadi, Smolyanski Ezera, and etc.

FOCUS: Mr. Mihalevski you attended the first Bulgarian – Greek tourst expo, and the presentation at the Perelik sports tourist center. What are your impressions?
Dimcho Mihalevski: I was impressed by the exhibition. We have established a good partnership with Greece.
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