Belgrade construction continues despite inspector's stop-work order

Construction work is ongoing in Belgrade's central Terazije Square, even after building inspectors issued an order to halt the activity. A reporter on the scene observed that despite the official stop-work notice, workers were present and continuing their tasks.

Zdravko Janković of the Green-Left Front coalition stated that citizens were not adequately informed about the work in advance. He noted that information only came through the stop-work order after the site was already closed off. The excavation covers 60 square meters and is four meters deep, intended for reconstructing a water main shaft.

Janković pointed out that the work is reportedly being carried out by a private company, not the Belgrade Waterworks and Sewerage. He expressed concern that the inspection department might believe its job is done simply by issuing the order, urging inspectors to revisit the site given the continued activity.

“

What we see is that literally 100 square meters of space in the very center of the city and on Terazije is blocked by some fence, where the construction site is closed, and as we see today, there are still some people on that construction site, although they should not be there in any way because it is punishable by law.

Adding to the city's infrastructure woes, one of the four mechanisms of the Belgrade Clock on Republic Square is reportedly running seven to eight minutes fast. This follows a previous repair two months ago due to improper cleaning by City Cleanliness services.

Janković also raised concerns about the safety of building inspectors, suggesting that powerful investors, common in Serbia, may pose threats. He called for state and city support for inspectors, referencing a past incident where an individual on the Sava embankment allegedly made threats.

“

If a powerful investor is involved here, and all investors in this country are powerful, they should be confronted by an official who can be very life-endangered because of it. We are talking about people who are ready for anything.