PETROVIĆ: HPP "DABAR" REMAINS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ENERGY PROJECTS, CHINESE PARTNERS HAVE NOT LEFT CONSTRUCTION SITE

TREBINJE, MAY 20 /SRNA/ – General Director of Republika Srpska Power Industry Luka Petrović says that the Dabar Hydropower Plant remains one of the most important energy projects of Republika Srpska.

Petrović says that, in light of numerous inaccurate reports regarding HPP "Dabar," he would like to clearly state that the project has not stopped and that the Chinese partners have not abandoned the construction site.

"The slowdown in works occurred due to months-long coordination and additional procedures with the Expoer-Import Bank of China following the breakthrough of the Nevesinje–Dabar tunnel, which will be completed and handed over in October," Petrović said.

He explained that this caused delays in payments to the contractor amounting to more than EUR 32 million, not because of a lack of funds or problems on the investor’s side, but due to banking procedures and additional controls within the credit arrangement.

"During that period, the contractor temporarily financed part of the works with its own funds in order to preserve construction continuity and prevent a halt in works. It is expected that the outstanding obligations will be settled in the coming days, after which full work dynamics will continue," Petrović explained.