As Novac writes on the 11th of June, 2020, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) has asked the Ministry of Construction and Physical Planning to send a recommendation to the local self-government unit on lifting the ban on construction works during the summer.
“We sent the request on behalf of construction companies whose working conditions were significantly hampered by the coronavirus crisis. During the pandemic, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce managed to prevent construction sites from closing and to open shops for construction materials and equipment as soon as possible, which preserved activity and jobs in this industry. The complete cessation of all earthworks and construction works would make it difficult to recover and realise the scheduled works, which would cause additional financial damage and consequently lead to the dismissal of a large number of workers,” said Mirjana Cagalj, vice president of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce for construction, transport and communications.
According to the current Construction Act, cities and municipalities can make decisions on banning works, but the Construction and Utilities Sector of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce says that exceptional conditions have been met due to the coronavirus pandemic and that the necessary approvals and consents of local authorities must allow activities within this sector to continue.
“Lifting the ban would significantly help the construction sector and its related branches, and at the same time, it wouldn’t seriously endanger the tourist season, which will be somewhat more modest due to objective reasons,” explained Cagalj.
On behalf of the construction companies located in Split-Dalmatia County, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce also sent a letter to the Mayor of Split, Andra Krstulovic Opara, requesting that earthworks and construction works be allowed in the city throughout the summer (from June the 15th to September the 15th).
Opara supported the proposal and invited all interested investors and contractors to send their requests for the continuation of construction work during the summer months so that he could submit them to the City Council for discussion.
“At this moment in time, I consider it extremely important that the investments that can start the economy the most quickly are enabled and encouraged, so, I’m going to recommend a positive solution to all of the received requests to the Council,” Opara said.
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