Belgrade's Bezistan passage reconstruction stalled amid illegal construction claims

The Bezistan passage, a frequently used pedestrian route in Belgrade, Serbia, remains in a state of disrepair, with access still requiring visitors to proceed at their own risk. While official reconstruction plans for this historically and culturally significant passage have yet to materialize, construction work is reportedly proceeding illegally on the adjacent sidewalk near the Kasina fountain.

“

We see this as another example of corrupt policy which this city and the institutions of Stari grad are pursuing.

Despite the closure of a construction site in the center of Terazije by the inspection authorities, citizens claim that the work has not ceased. Reports indicate that workers were seen on the site, even placing slabs over an excavated area. However, official information regarding who is conducting the work and its nature has not been provided by the relevant secretariats. This lack of transparency has fueled public concern and suspicion.

“

We have been monitoring this construction site for over a month, since it became active. Since the beginning of this month, it has been closed by the building inspection, however, the work has been carried out without hindrance all this time.

Vlada Šupeljak from the Zbor Stari grad civic association criticized the situation as another example of corrupt policy by the city and its institutions. He stated that the construction site has been active for over a month and, despite being closed by the building inspection, work continues unabated. Attempts to report the issue to the communal militia were met with dismissals of being too busy, claims of lacking jurisdiction, or assertions of having official approval to not intervene. Similarly, the police declared themselves not competent to handle the matter.

“

I am truly appalled by what is happening in the very center of the city.

Šupeljak expressed dismay at the ongoing situation in the heart of the city, emphasizing the safety risks associated with the Bezistan passage. Although red tape has been placed, he believes it is not safe for people to traverse. The N1 reporter also noted the absence of official responses to questions about when the reconstruction of the Bezistan passage, a vital and historically valuable thoroughfare, is planned.

“

I really think it is not safe for people to move around here, and we see that they are moving.