Long-term measures to maintain the fairway of the Danube discussed today the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Hristo Alexiev and the European Coordinator of the "Rhine - Danube" corridor Karla Peijs. She thanked Minister Alexiev for the emergency measures undertaken by him related to maintenance of the fairway and the improvement of navigation along the Danube River.
Minister Alexiev informed Mrs. Peijs that the preparation of the project for the purchase of dredging equipment has been accelerated and an application form is due to be submitted soon for approval by the Managing Authority of OPTTI 2014 - 2020. Its main objective is the delivery of dredging equipment for rehabilitation of the fairway in the section of the river maintained by Bulgaria. This project is a longstanding commitment of the state to the European Commission.
Hristo Alexiev explained that MTITC has launched a public tender for dredging in the common Bulgarian-Romanian section of the Danube river. The contract provides for the execution of dredging activities in the most critical sections of the river to restore the design depths of the fairway as recommended by the Danube Commission. The Minister expressed confidence that by mid-year will be selected a contractor.
They both also discussed the opportunities offered by the so called financial engineering. It aims at the realization of priority infrastructure projects that are cost-effective for businesses and government institutions.
Minister Alexiev said that are necessary long-term measures and sustainable solutions for ensuring navigation and the surveys, carried out within the projects, implemented by EA EMDR, will identify namely such activities. The Minister added that the delivery of three new vessels will completely renovate the specialized equipment of EA EMDR, with which will be implemented more effective monitoring and maintenance of the fairway.
