Simic: Government and Ministry of Infrastructure must thoroughly rehabilitate the Jarinje–Mitrovica road without discrimination

Serb List MP Slavko Simic today pointed out, during a parliamentary session, the catastrophic damage on the Jarinje–Mitrovica main road, as well as on a section of the Dren–Belo Brdo regional road, calling on the Government of Kosovo and the Ministry of Infrastructure to comprehensively rehabilitate these sections in the north, without discrimination, and ensure the safety of all road users.

“We wanted to draw the attention of the Minister of Infrastructure to the catastrophic damage on the Jarinje–Leposavic–Mitrovica main road, which was in good condition until three years ago, as it was regularly and adequately maintained. However, since the Ministry of Infrastructure assumed responsibility for this route, through a company whose identity we do not know, the road has fallen into a very poor condition—especially this and last year, as the entire road infrastructure is literally disintegrating,” Simic said.

Illustrating the poor condition of the road, he added that in parts of Europe where competent institutions perform their duties properly, such a road would have been closed to traffic until fully rehabilitated.

He also noted that the Serb List had intended to raise this issue last year, but due to the blockade of institutions following the constitution of parliament and subsequent early parliamentary elections, they were unable to address what he described as a pressing issue.

“I regret that the Minister of Infrastructure is not here, but Prime Minister Albin Kurti is present, and I hope he will hear about this problem, as it concerns both the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Government as a whole,” Simic stated.

He specified that the section in question is 52 kilometers long, with visible damage to the asphalt and a lack of proper road signage, noting the presence of potholes up to 70 centimeters in diameter and as much as 50 centimeters deep.

“We have documented everything and will forward it to the Ministry and Prime Minister Kurti, who bear responsibility for the condition of the road. With such damage, the safety of both passenger and freight traffic is seriously endangered,” Simic warned.

He emphasized that the route is heavily trafficked and called on the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Government not to adopt a discriminatory approach or prejudices simply because the road passes through Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo, as it is used by Serbs, Albanians, Gorani, and all residents of the area.

He presented unofficial data indicating that dozens of incidents of damage to passenger and freight vehicles occur daily on this section due to poor infrastructure and lack of proper marking, with no one held accountable. Driving at night or in reduced visibility conditions is particularly dangerous, as it may lead to traffic accidents.

“We call on the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Government to urgently activate the company responsible for maintaining this road, but not to send them as they did recently—with inadequate machinery and poor-quality asphalt—where unprofessional patching of potholes caused even greater damage, as the holes reopened and widened, further endangering traffic safety. Instead, they must act in accordance with professional standards. Proper preparation must be carried out and this road thoroughly rehabilitated in a sustainable manner,” Simic appealed.

He also drew attention to a section of the Dren–Belo Brdo regional road within the territory of the municipality of Leposavic, which he said is also in catastrophic condition.

“This road practically does not exist—it is in worse condition than some gravel roads in rural areas—yet it leads to a mine and is of vital economic importance. Take responsibility and rehabilitate these roads so they are safe for all road users,” Simic urged.

Meanwhile, the Assembly of Kosovo today adopted the Serb List’s proposal to appoint MP Branislav Nikolic to parliamentary committees, replacing Serb List leader Zlatan Elek, who stepped down from his parliamentary position.

The proposal for Nikolic’s appointment was adopted with 62 votes.

The Assembly of Kosovo also adopted, with 74 votes in favor, the budget of the Municipality of Zubin Potok for 2026.