Radojevic: Kurti used the opening of the pedestrian bridge over the Ibar for political purposes, without considering citizens’ safety

The Mayor of North Mitrovica, Milan Radojevic, told Kosovo Online that Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti used the opening of the new pedestrian bridge over the Ibar for political purposes, without taking into account the safety of citizens of South and North Mitrovica, given that construction works on the bridge have not been completed.

Radojevic stated that after assuming office and entering the municipal building, no documentation whatsoever was found relating to the design and construction of the pedestrian bridge near the three high-rise buildings in North Mitrovica.

“We found absolutely no documentation related to this project, nor to the previous bridge, so we truly have no information on how it was built, who the contractor was, or in what manner the works were carried out. Above all, we expect the central institutions to take care of citizens from both South and North Mitrovica, to prioritize safety rather than politicizing the issue and using such projects for political purposes, as Kurti did yesterday,” the Mayor of North Mitrovica said.

Radojevic added that the competent municipal services would do everything within their remit to examine all circumstances and shortcomings identified in connection with the bridge.

“As Mayor of North Mitrovica, what I can state with certainty is that our services, should they have the relevant jurisdiction, will look into this matter, examine citizens’ complaints as well as the video footage we have received, and we will inform the public accordingly in the period ahead,” he emphasized.

Radojevic also appealed to citizens to exercise caution if they use the newly opened bridge, as there are no safety guarantees for its use.

“I primarily appeal to the citizens of North Mitrovica to remain cautious and mindful of their safety, because even today, although the bridge has been opened, workers can still be seen carrying out activities on site. At this moment, we cannot guarantee that the bridge is safe and fully functional,” Radojevic concluded.

Reporters from Kosovo Online also confirmed on site today that construction works are still ongoing, that unsafe fencing has yet to be secured, while pedestrians are nevertheless allowed to cross the bridge freely.

The company in charge of constructing the bridge had previously announced that the bridge would be opened only in January.

Nevertheless, the pedestrian bridge over the Ibar, connecting North and South Mitrovica, was opened yesterday by Kosovo’s caretaker prime minister, who urged citizens of both municipalities to “walk as much as possible.”