Pristina-Skopje motorway to cost EUR 700 million: minister

Pristina, 6 June 2018 (MIA) - Kosovo Minister of Infrastructure Pal Lekaj has said that the final cost of motorway Pristina-Skopje could reach EUR 700 million, which is EUR 100 million more than the initial projection, MIA reports from Pristina.
In an interview with a local TV station, Lekaj said the project was initially estimated for completion by 1 January 2018.
"The final cost for the motorway could reach EUR 700 million, including the additional penalties that were paid due to outstanding liabilities to the contractor," said Lekaj.
The motorway was set to cost EUR 608 million, but the amount increased due to the penalties paid to contractor "Bechtel Enka". The Kosovo government has decided to pay EUR 53 million in penalties as a result of outstanding liabilities by the previous government of Ramush Haradinaj.