Bucharest mayor finds only three workers on delayed heating network project

Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Ciucu has sharply criticized the lagging pace of modernization work on the city's heating network, particularly at a site on Calea Văcărești. During an unannounced visit, Ciucu discovered a severe lack of progress and insufficient workforce mobilization.

At one work point, the mayor found only three workers present on a project that should have been completed by now. He expressed dismay that only 30% of the work was done, calling the situation "abnormal." Ciucu specifically accused the construction company, Energomontaj, of failing to adequately mobilize its resources, despite previous notifications from the Bucharest City Hall.

The delays pose a significant risk to the project's funding, as Ciucu warned that the city could lose crucial European funds if the work is not completed on time. He later visited another site indicated by the contractor, where he also observed a reduced workforce, questioning the reported number of 38 workers.

This particular lot, covering 24 kilometers of the network, is reportedly the most delayed segment of the overall heating network modernization project. The project, which aims to upgrade 106 kilometers of network and 212 kilometers of pipes, has a total budget of 1.76 billion lei, with 1.3 billion lei coming from non-reimbursable European funds. Work began in June 2023, with 56 kilometers of the network completed so far and another 40 kilometers currently under construction. The mayor announced plans to reconvene with the contractor and associated firms to demand an acceleration of the work.

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Câți muncitori aveți? 38? Vreau să-i văd și eu, că așa, de vorbe, m-am săturat