The “Requirements of Engineers” community, representing over 7,000 engineers across Serbia, has expressed serious concerns regarding the opening of the Pakovraće-Požega highway section before completing all necessary functional tests and without a valid usage permit. They emphasize that this move violates the Law on Planning and Construction.
The engineers criticize the President of Serbia for downplaying the issue by stating that “only one piece of paper is missing” while pushing for the opening of a facility that has not passed all safety and functional inspections. They argue that such comments undermine the rule of law and put public safety at risk.
Further concerns were raised about the public company “Roads of Serbia” director, Zoran Drobnjak, who dismissed regulatory requirements and declared the tunnel safe despite the absence of completed tests. This attitude, the engineers say, shows blatant disregard for the law and the engineering profession, which is founded on technical verification and safety.
The community also condemns statements made by the Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Aleksandra Sofronijević, who labeled critics raising safety concerns as “spreaders of panic” and potential criminals. According to the engineers, this approach threatens professional integrity and fosters fear and censorship within the engineering community.
They also note with disappointment the absence of the Engineering Chamber of Serbia in addressing these critical issues.
Recalling the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy last year, which claimed sixteen lives shortly after its politically celebrated opening despite incomplete safety checks, the engineers warn that ignoring professional standards can have fatal consequences.
In light of these facts, the engineers have submitted several demands to the relevant authorities:
- The Pakovraće-Požega section, including the “Munjino brdo” tunnel, should only be opened after all legal technical requirements are met and a valid usage permit is issued.
- All political interference in the work of designers, contractors, and supervisory experts must cease immediately.
- An objective, thorough, and independent report on the construction progress and safety systems must be published, including technical evaluations of automatic system tests and the commission’s inspection report.
- The Engineering Chamber of Serbia must clearly respond to recent events, protecting the profession, engineering ethics, and legal standards.
- The Chamber should initiate a constitutional review of the regulation allowing so-called “trial operation” of roads and facilities, as this practice is not supported by current laws.
The engineers conclude by emphasizing that safety cannot be left to subjective judgment but must be ensured through strict, documented procedures. The law is a safeguard, not a barrier, and the engineering profession must be a voice of reason, not silence.
