Premier: Transport Ministry Has Fulfilled 40% of Its Goals in Gov't Manifesto

Bratislava, 22 May (TASR) - In the first year and a half of the current government's term, the Transport Ministry has fulfilled 40 percent of the goals set out in the government manifesto, stated Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) after a meeting with Transport Minister Jozef Raz (a Smer-SD nominee) focused on reviewing progress. "I informed the minister that, based on our assessment, if we look at the entire government programme in the area of transport, after a year and a half we've achieved 40 percent of all measurable goals outlined in the government manifesto," said Fico. Fico praised the adoption of the Strategic Investments Act as groundbreaking and highlighted the new Construction Act, which, he said, will significantly shorten building procedures. He also pointed to the launch of state-supported rental housing, the profitable year at Bratislava Airport and the successful launch of construction projects across Slovakia. "I consider it to be the right decision that we nominated someone for the post of transport minister who isn't directly connected to party structures. We chose a manager, and this managerial approach has, of course, produced specific results," stated Fico. The Transport Minister explained that the ministry is currently working on several key projects, with plans to complete and hand over six new motorway sections by the end of the year. According to Raz, the ministry is also working on a property settlement for the current port in Bratislava, followed by the construction of a new port. This year, the Transport Ministry aims to conclude the tender for the Bratislava–Kosice air route so that flights can begin in October. The ministry also plans to launch the construction of the Prievidza bypass and advance bridge repairs. lin/df