PM Ponta: This year we are initiating procedures for Sibiu-Pitesti, Targu Mures-Iasi and Comarnic-Brasov motorways

Prime Minister Victor Ponta on Monday evening told Digi TV private broadcaster that the government might initiate the necessary procedures this year so that construction works may finally kick off at the Sibiu-Pitesti, Targu Mures-Iasi and Comarnic-Brasov.

Photo credit: (c) Liviu SOVA / AGERPRES PHOTO

"I believe that it is possible this year we initiate all that means procedures in the case of the Sibiu-Pitesti, Targu Mures-Iasi and Comarnic-Brasov motorways, so that construction works may finally kick off. I am not sure how long it will take, however, and how many times the Court of Appeal will return the plans back to the CNSC [National Council for Solving Complaints], the CNSC to the CNADNR [National Company of Motorways and National Roads] and back ANRMAP [National Authority for Regulating and Monitoring Public Procurement]. And, since the European Commission tells us to observe this system, we have no alternative than to observe it. When we wanted to change it, the EC warned us: 'don't change it, do as you are told.' So that I'm certain this year we will be able to initiate all the procedures. However, I can't say how exactly are we going to do it and how long it will take," the Prime Minister said, when asked what was his current opinion about the "bet" that in 2018 Romania will have a motorway that will cross the Carpathians.

About the fact that, according to the Transport Master Plan, the construction of the Sibiu-Pitesti motorway will start in 2017, Ponta said: "If we complete all the procedures, it should be done within one year; I don't see how it could take longer."

"I will start them [the construction works ? e.n.] and someone from the PNL [National Liberal Party] will finish them. I am not skeptical, but I am just trying...