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Ohrid mayor expects positive UNESCO report, praises cooperation with Gov't

Ohrid mayor expects positive UNESCO report, praises cooperation with Gov't

Ohrid, 11 November 2022 (MIA) - The Mayor of Ohrid, Kiril Pecakov expects a positive report from UNESCO on the situation in the Ohrid region in February, expressing satisfaction with the cooperation with the central government regarding that issue. Answering journalist questions at a press conference Friday, where he gave an account of the work done during the one-year mandate, he pointed out that the local self-government is financially unable to implement the recommendations, pointing out that 14 million euros were needed just to remove the Bukovo landfill. - This is a large amount considering that the annual budget of the Municipality of Ohrid is 10 million euros and we do not have the opportunity to complete it ourselves. It is enough that we have project documentation and we hope that in cooperation with UNESCO by applying for funds through grants we will be able to realize these projects as soon as possible, said Pecakov. Regarding the issue of removing illegal constructions in the protected area, he clarified that it was a process that was implemented in several stages. – The first was the establishment of what should be a register of illegal constructions. Further, jointly with the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Government after the finalization of the management plan of the Ohrid coast, which is essential for the further course and progress in relation to the recommendations and measures set by UNESCO, which should have been completed in December 2021. It is not finished, but after it is, there will be a process, where, in which area and whether they can fit into urban plans. And the last stage is the final cleaning, there will be a certain number that will have a future. Depending on what the state and the municipality will determine in accordance with UNESCO's recommendations, Pecakov clarified. According to him, it is precisely known which ministries are in charge of what, and what the Municipality and the Government are responsible for. - There are certain delays, but also many things, in which the state together with the Municipality have advanced based on communications. All other documents and works related to the fulfillment of UNESCO's measures and recommendations are ongoing, started or nearing completion. The only thing for which I am extremely satisfied is the cooperation with the central government. Quite a lot of common considerations and common steps in terms of measures. I have no brake, no obstacle. We simply work together and fulfill the recommendations and measures that we have received in the past period, Pecakov underlined. dk/ba/