Billions for "Hemus" without designs: Ivan Shishkov reveals the scheme

The state has been distributing advances for road construction without having the necessary designs in place. This was stated by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Ivan Shishkov, on bTV.

"This was a period of tightening the noose around the state's neck," the minister commented regarding the 2019-2020 period.

How the scheme works?

  • Circumventing public procurement: The state-owned company "Avtomagistrali" was used as a tool, even though it lacked the capacity for large-scale construction.
  • Lack of documentation: Money was distributed without approved designs and without readiness to start actual activities.
  • Financial losses: By simply changing an order within a single day, huge advances were granted, costing the state over 1 billion BGN.

The problems with the "Hemus" motorway lots

Shishkov emphasized that for lots 7, 8, and 9, not only are the designs missing, but the route itself needs to be changed. Although the companies have received advance payments, construction is practically not taking place, and the prices of materials have skyrocketed.

Currently, the Ministry is conducting negotiations with the contractors to try to save the depreciation of the already paid funds and force the companies to start actual work on the sites.