PM: We knew post-quake reconstruction would take time, it was a political decision

Hina - PM Andrej Plenković on Monday attended the official opening of the new building of Zagreb's Faculties of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, noting that the decision to carry out a comprehensive structural reconstruction after the 2020 earthquakes was politically risky but right.

"Our conscious political decision - very risky from a political standpoint - was to accept that the reconstruction process would take longer... But in doing so, we guaranteed that all renovated buildings would last much longer and that everyone inside would be safe," the Prime Minister told faculty deans, students and other guests.

"Most people weren't aware of the scale of the damage caused by the 2020 earthquakes or the financial and operational complexity of the reconstruction process," he said.

Construction work is underway at 28 faculties, 14 high schools, and 37 primary schools, the prime minister noted, adding that almost 90% of the funds allocated for scientific and educational infrastructure pertain to the University of Zagreb.

Construction and Physical Planning Minister Branko Bačić highlighted that Croatian construction professionals have gained valuable experience and recognition over the past five years through post-earthquake reconstruction projects. He also announced the introduction of a seismic certificate for buildings, to be included in the Construction Act by the end of the year.

"We'll determine which buildings this will apply to and the full scope in the coming weeks and months," the minister said.

Reconstruction of the building housing the Faculties of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy began just over two years ago, and the contract value is €40 million including VAT, said Domagoj Damjanović, dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering.

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