The Special Unit of the Kosovo Police was stationed today near one of the new bridges under construction over the Ibar River, as final asphalt work was being completed. The bridge is scheduled to officially open to traffic on September 1, 2025.
Veton Elshani, Deputy Director of Kosovo Police in the north, confirmed that the deployment was part of increased vigilance due to the scale of the project, stressing that the move was part of “standard police procedures.”
“These are only preventive measures. There is no specific warning. But in the north we are used to situations that may seem extraordinary to others — such as being targeted with bombs or explosives. That’s why we take preventive measures, so we are not caught off guard,” Elshani told RTV Dukagjini.
He emphasized that police presence will continue until the official inauguration:
“Until September 1, when the opening is scheduled, we will remain there, and then we will see how things proceed,” he said.
Bridge Project Under Investigation
The construction project has drawn scrutiny, as the Special Prosecution of Kosovo launched an investigation into alleged misuse of public funds during the contract award process.
On July 10, prosecutors confirmed authorizing police to investigate how the contract was awarded but have not disclosed further details.
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure’s procurement documents, the project cost is nearly €3 million.
The contract was awarded through a negotiated procedure without public notice, involving five companies. Although the lowest bid was €2,890,106, the winning contract went to Eurokos Holding Sh.p.k., which offered €2,999,628 — the second-lowest bid.
The company with the lowest offer was disqualified for failing to meet technical requirements. The contract duration was set for four months.
