Kosovo seeks consultant to help advance infrastructure projects - EBRD

“The government of Kosovo agreed to establish an infrastructure central delivery unit (ICDU) at the ministry of finance, within the division for international financial cooperation,” the EBRD said in a press release on Monday.

“Infrastructure development is crucial for the continued integration of Kosovo within the region, for attracting foreign direct investments, and for harmonisation with EU standards,” the EBRD said, adding that the government of Kosovo has prioritised enhancement of cross-border transport infrastructure, through ongoing reconstruction and development of the country’s major road and railway network, and environmental infrastructure.

According to the bank, the total amounts committed in investments in infrastructure from international financial institutions (IFIs) in Kosovo in recent years exceed 437 million euro ($481.4 million) in more than 10 projects.

“Implementation of IFI and EU financed projects, including those of the EBRD, face significant delays mainly related to capacity constraints at the relevant government agencies to implement these complex infrastructure projects in accordance with IFI’s policies and procedures, and agreed timeframes,” the EBRD said.

The government of Kosovo has acknowledged the difficulties faced, and requested the support of EBRD in addressing them.

In response to government’s request, EBRD said it intends to engage a team of experts to provide technical assistance to support the establishment and first years of operations of the ICDU with practical guidance and building of technical and legal capacity amongst its members.

The assignment is expected to support to the government of Kosovo to unlock implementation of existing IFI financed infrastructure projects, and in general to facilitate timely implementation of IFI financed public infrastructure projects, as well as to build capacities for adequate continuous monitoring of project implementation.

The deadline for submitting bids is December 23. The assignment is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2019 and has an estimated overall duration of 24 months, EBRD said.

($ = 0.90769 euro)