Works on the highway on the Ozimice – Medakovo subdivision were suspended after the Turkish company “Cengiz Inşaat” did not receive payments from the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Reporter “Avaza” he was on site yesterday. Apart from the sign with the inscription “Cengiz”, there were no workers or machines on this section. Desolation. From this company, they sent a letter to the management of JP “Autoceste FBiH” and informed them that on March 21 they were suspending work.
Announcement in January
– Despite the contractor’s cooperation and two postponements, the investor has not made the due payments until today. Without making the specified payments, the contractor is not able to continue the work. Consequently, the contractor hereby informs that the suspension will take effect on March 21, 2026. The contractor will insure, protect and provide for the works. The contractor invites the engineer to submit any special instructions regarding insurance, protection or temporary measures. All rights and claims of the contractor under the contract and the Law are strictly reserved, including: default interest under Sub-Clause 14.8; extension of time; reimbursement of costs and consequences caused by the suspension, and all other contractual and legal rights – it is emphasized in the letter of the company “Cengiz” to the general director of “Autocesta FBiH” Denis Lasić, executive director Asmir Dževlan and company representative Alem Kovačević.
Also, in this letter, it is stated that the first announcement of the suspension of works on the aforementioned section of the highway was sent back in January. Since then, “Cengiz” has already twice accepted postponements of the suspension in the hope that “Autoceste” will pay the debt.
After this, Federal Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić said that the funds will be paid by Friday and that the works will continue. It should be recalled that ten days ago, Nikšić stated that there were no problems and that the works on the highway were being carried out.
Prime Minister announced
– The EBRD made that decision yesterday, it will take two or three working days to make the payments, usually tomorrow or by Friday at the latest, the funds will be paid to the contractors who earned it – Nikšić said on March 24, that is, the day before yesterday.
According to the Prime Minister’s announcements, this means that funds should be paid to “Cengiz” today or tomorrow. Nikšić said that the EBRD approved EUR 96 million.
It is evident that the most important project in the country, Corridor 5C – the construction of the highway is not going according to plan and that this is one of a series of frictions affecting the realization of a generational project.
Investment framework
The construction of the Ozimica-Medakovo section is financed with funds secured under the loan agreement concluded with the European Investment Bank, and with grants from the European Union secured under the Connection Agenda through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).
Putnikovo Brdo – Medakovo
There are also large debts owed to contractors on the Putnikovo Brdo – Medakovo section, where the work is being carried out by “Euro-Asfalt” from Sarajevo under the supervision of IRD Engineering Srl (Italy). The value of the works on this section is more than 167 million euros including VAT, writes the investigation.
