Tender procedures for 15 new roads projects are currently ongoing, part of a project initiated by the Regional Development operational programme which is scheduled for launching by the end of April 2009, according to a statement from the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Assen Gagauzov, as reported by Stroitelstvo Gradut.

According to Gagauzov, the ministry will consider all the parameters of the task, whereupon he will reasses the new infrastructure projects entrusted to the National Agency for Road Infrastructure (NARI), as the ministry acts as a managing body over the regional development programme.

Last year, 10 projects were cancelled by Phare as companies entrusted with their execution lost their accreditation. However, in 2008, the Government allocated financial resources from the budget to allow those infrastructure projects to go ahead. Consequently, those projects are now being constructed with money from Bulgarian taxpayers.

In November 2007, the task included an overall 21 projects, but complications then arose, leading to the project suffering several postponements and cancellations. The most recent of these was carried out on the recommendation of the European Commission. Out of a total of 21 lots with 38 segments of road sections amongst them, 15 sections still remain vacant. Potential companies are invited to prepare their plans and documentations and apply for the positions, which will determine the construction for the second phase. Documentation has to be submitted in April-May 2009. 

Regarding the 10 road projects that were initially stopped under Phare, Gagauzov said that two of them, in particular, were the segments leading to the town of Malko Turnovo and the road section stretching from Bansko to Gotse Delchev.

"Those two lots were under Greek and Czech contractors, but the deals that have fallen through will not be executed," he said. 

"Three other lots have been completed, and are currently in operation, and the rest are under construction. For instance, the section from Pleven to Nikopol is almost ready and it will be partially opened for exploitation".

"The aforementioned section will be opened in parallel with the inauguration of the ferryboat complex Nikopol Turno Mugurele, as the complex, which was also financed by Phare, has been completed," the minister said.