Zagreb Mayor Defends Pedestrians Navigating Construction Sites

Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević has defended the necessity of pedestrians navigating active construction sites in Vukovarska Street, asserting that the city must prioritize long-delayed infrastructure renewal. Responding to citizen complaints about walking through areas with excavators and trucks, Tomašević stated that all work follows expert-designed traffic plans. He argued that delaying these projects further is not an option for Zagreb, which faces a significant infrastructure deficit accumulated over decades.

Tomašević highlighted the extensive nature of the current renewal efforts, which include bridges, underpasses, roads, gas pipes, water pipes, and tram lines. He pointed to the critical state of Zagreb's water network, with approximately 55% loss, as a consequence of 40 years of underinvestment. While the city aims to schedule the most disruptive projects during summer months when traffic is lighter, Tomašević stressed that year-round work is essential to catch up.

The mayor revealed that the scope of work could have been even larger, as municipal companies requested double the projects ultimately approved to maintain some level of traffic flow. He described the current situation as being "on the very edge of what the city can handle," but noted that much more work is needed compared to actual requirements.

Emphasizing the political unpopularity of underground infrastructure upgrades, Tomašević explained that citizens often fail to see the completed work on pipes while enduring traffic disruptions. This lack of visible results has historically led to the postponement of such essential repairs. "I am not a populist; I am doing what I believe is right for the city," Tomašević declared, underscoring his commitment to necessary, albeit inconvenient, urban development.

“

U ovom trenutku obnavljamo nadvožnjake, podvožnjake, ceste, plinske cijevi, vodovodne cijevi i tramvajske pruge. Obnavljamo apsolutno sve jer se to nije radilo desetljećima.