Ohrid, 1 May 2026 (MIA) – Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikolovski, and Mayor Kiril Pecakov oversaw construction works across Ohrid on Friday, and attended a cornerstone laying ceremony for a multi-storey garage in the city center.

The PM pointed out that some of the priorities of the Municipality of Ohrid, as well as some of the projects proposed by the MPs, have been implemented, while others are either in the implementation phase or will begin to be implemented.

"When travelling to Ohrid you'll be able to see the progress made on the highway that has been put into operation. We expect it to be fully opened from Kichevo to Ohrid somewhere in the first quarter of 2027 at the latest. You know the challenges we were facing. The loan was canceled by China Exim Bank, so we created a syndicate with domestic commercial banks and the project will be fully implemented," he said. 

He announced the completion of the "Plaoshnik" project as the next major focus, which has been started a long time ago remains unfinished.

"This year, operating within budgetary constraints, we have allocated a modest amount of funds, but it is important to prepare the project documentation and step up on the ground activities next year. I believe that with the projects currently implemented, as well as the projects that the Mayor and the Deputy PM previously mentioned, we will come to a physiognomy that Ohrid and the Ohrid coast deserve," said the PM.

Deputy PM Nikolovski expressed satisfaction with the launch of construction works for a multi-storey garage, a project which required numerous legal amendments. 

"As soon as this Government was elected, we facilitated the procedure for the construction of schools, hospitals, kindergartens, outpatient clinics and multi-storey garages. The challenge with this project was that it required the integration of UNESCO compliance, safeguarding of cultural heritage, as well as architectural safeguards. With the support of the Municipality, the Institute and Museum – Ohrid and the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Transport was able to issue a permit," said Nikolovski, pointing out that the construction of the garage will contribute to additional revival of the Ohrid bazaar, which means economic benefit for the city.

Mayor Pecakov noted that it took several years to prepare the documentation for the multi-storey garage project, which also required commitment both in the municipal administration and the central government.

PM Mickoski alongside Deputy PM Nikoloski and Mayor Pecakov also oversaw reconstruction works at the Chinar Tree square, and inspected an ongoing project on the Metropol pumping station.

Photo: MIA / Government

Video: Government