Skopje, 16 October 2025 (MIA) – Sustainable development will be the basic postulate on which the new urban plan for Skopje will be generated through inclusive growth, resilient infrastructure, accessible public spaces, efficient transport and participatory planning, SDSM's Skopje mayor candidate Kaja Shukova said, presenting her vision for the city's urban development in the coming years.

Shukova, who addressed citizens at a press conference on Thursday, said the strategic commitment in her program for Skopje is to ensure humane living conditions, sustainable use of space, increasing its value and strengthening the social integration of the city's residents.

She noted that the problem of uncontrolled construction expansion will be overcome by focusing on construction of new residential spaces north of the Vardar River, some of them in existing substandard settlements.

She sees the solution to overcoming traffic issues in changing the priorities, by putting pedestrians and cyclists in the foreground, designing new roads and boulevards in the northern part of the city, thus easing traffic in the central city core, which would be transformed into a pedestrian zone.

"One of our strategic goals is to create a safe and comfortable zone for cyclists. Bicycle paths must be an integral part of any reconstruction or construction of a new boulevard," she said.

As regards downtown Skopje, Shukova's vision is a pedestrian city centre, as a network of car-free streets, people-oriented and vibrant public spaces.

"All locations occupied by cars must be transformed into free public spaces and pedestrian zones," she pointed out.

Commenting on green spaces as a basis for a better life, Shukova said the City of Skopje must work on the development of new planned parks, new public greenery and upgrading of the existing ones.

"Fifteen new parks in 15 months, a botanical garden at the Parks and Greenery public enterprise, complete afforestation of the area beneath Vodno, and completing the pedestrian and bicycle path along the Vardar River," she said.

The vision for Skopje's urban development will be based on principles of sustainability, inclusiveness, climate change resilience and smart technological solutions aimed at a quality and healthy standard of living for all.

"The ultimate goal is for the city to be a creatively resilient and quality place to live in, with a clear vision for improving the individual and collective quality of life, while reducing the ecological footprint and stimulating health and well-being," Shukova told the media.

Photo: MIA