Gevgelija, 5 September 2026 (MIA) -- The reconstructed Old Bazaar in Gevgelija -- a project funded by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism that included new pavement, renovated shop facades, landscaping and updated lighting -- was officially opened earlier Saturday. 

Attendees included Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski, Minister of Culture and Tourism Sedat Sulejmani and Gevgelija Mayor Andon Saramandov. 

In his remarks at the opening, PM Mickoski highlighted the support of his government to municipalities nationwide. 

"So far, we have allocated about half a billion euros for projects," Mickoski said. "More than 1,200 projects have been completed, are under way, or are just starting. 

"With decentralized funds from the central budget going to the municipalities, I expect this project to wrap up by the end of the year, allowing us to allocate new funds next year for capital investments aimed at improving citizens' quality of life," Mickoski noted.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Sulejmani said the government's duty was not only to safeguard cultural heritage, but also to give it new life and value.

"Cultural heritage should not just be preserved. It must be made vibrant, accessible and recognizable for new generations," Sulejmani said.

Gevgelija Mayor Andon Saramandov said the Old Bazaar was a historical landmark and an integral part of the city's identity.

"The project included multiple phases: building new storm and sanitary sewers, installing a new water supply line, replacing all exterior woodwork as well as restoring facades to maintain their authentic look," Saramandov said.

Deputy PM Nikoloski, too, announced continued financial support for local authorities from the state budget. He said an additional Mden 165 million were being invested in Gevgelija through the state budget for various projects.

"These include three major completed projects carried out through the Ministry of Transport in cooperation with the Municipality of Gevgelija in the villages of Moin, Prdejci and Bogorodica, as well as the completion of the St. Clement of Ohrid western boulevard and the reconstruction of Zheleznicka, Marshal Tito and Gevgeliski Partizanski Odredi streets," Nikoloski said.

The total cost of the reconstruction of Gevgelija's Old Bazaar, a protected 19th-century cultural heritage site, was about Mden 41 million. mr/