Ohrid, 19 February 2025 (MIA) - The Ohrid-Kichevo motorway will be finished by the end of 2026, said Deputy PM and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski on Wednesday.

Minister Nikoloski said the poorly designed project included aspects such as the route passing through protected areas, gas stations, hospitals and hotels, facilities that cannot be expropriated.

"This issue will be resolved by legislation that is currently in the pipeline, already adopted by the Government and set to be forwarded to the Parliament next week," Nikoloski told reporters.

On the Trebenishta-Kjafasan motorway section, the Minister said there are strict UNESCO bans for building along the Lake Ohrid protected area, where the route would potentially go through. A meeting on the issue involving representatives from the Ministry of Culture, the Ohrid Mayor and experts will take place next month.

"We will not go against the UNESCO recommendations, the region's status is very important, and therefore we will adapt to their requirements. We will discuss whether the route is moved a bit to the north or entirely redesigned," said Nikoloski.

Photo: MIA