The proposal to impose a fee for vehicles entering Pristina will not be necessary if the Government unblocks funds provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the construction of the city's ring road, said the mayor of the municipality, Përparim Rama.
In a Facebook status on Wednesday, Rama clarified that the idea of charging fees for vehicles that are not registered in the capital is only a proposal for public discussion and not a decision made.
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Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support ContributeAccording to the proposal, the fee could be 1 to 2 euros for vehicles entering the center of Pristina, while up to 10 euros for large trucks circulating in the center. However, the mayor of the capital stated that the final decision will belong to the citizens.
Rama emphasized that the reason for considering this alternative is related to the need to finance major infrastructure projects, in particular the construction of the city ring road, which aims to ease traffic, reduce traffic jams and pollution, and improve movement in the capital.
"The reason we are considering this option is simple: Pristina urgently needs major infrastructure investments, especially for the construction of the capital's ring road, a project that would reduce traffic jams, ease traffic, reduce pollution and improve the quality of life for everyone. I reiterate that this is not a planned or imposed tariff. It is being discussed as an alternative in case EBRD funds continue to be blocked by this government," he wrote.
According to him, the financial package for the implementation of this project amounted to around 206 million euros, where up to 40 percent of the amount was a grant, meaning funds that would not have to be returned by citizens.
"There is a very simple solution: unblocking the EBRD funds and allowing the city ring road project to be implemented. If these funds are unblocked by the Government, there will be no fees for anyone," he said.
Rama further stated that the congestion fee is being considered only as an alternative financing mechanism in case funds continue to remain blocked, adding that the development of Pristina should not remain hostage to political clashes.
Rama has invited citizens, experts, businesses and civil society organizations to contribute with proposals and ideas during the public debate on this issue.
The head of Vetëvendosje assembly members in the capital, Gëzim Sveçla, reacted to Rama's statement. He said that Rama's stance is a setback. According to him, the mayor is not even telling the truth about the issue of the value that is envisaged as a tax.
"The reaction of citizens pushed back Përparim Rama. But apart from withdrawing from the 10 euro fee, he is not even telling the truth. The draft regulation of the LDK-PDK government does not mention anywhere a 1 or 2 euro fee, nor the division between cars and trucks. The official document foresees a 10 euro fee for entry into Pristina. This is stated in the draft regulation itself, which is in public hearing," Sveçla wrote on Facebook.