|
Written by Ágnes Lukács
|
|
Tuesday, 17 November 2009 |
The developers of the “interconnected trams” project in Buda want to connect Óbuda with Újubda, by linking tramline 61 from Alkotás út and lines 19 and 41 from Gellért tér with line 17. The project met the approval of the EU, which promised the city council HUF 5 billion (EUR 18.56 million) in support. The total cost of the project is HUF 6 billion (EUR 22.27 million). Now, however, the city risks forfeiting that amount: according to the National Development Agency (NFÜ) the building permit must be granted by 30 November or the city will lose the HUF 5 billion.
That is easier said than done because the city council and District II local government have so far been unable see eye to eye on the project. Hungary justifiably placed great hopes in its EU accession largely because of the promised financial support. The country can claim as much as EUR 1.3 trillion from the EU pot. Lots of money lost
There seems to be little awareness, however, that the money does not simply fall into one’s lap. Budapest city council has, due to delays, already lost EU funding on large-scale projects such as the construction of metro line 4 and the reconstruction of Margit Bridge.
Although the 30 November deadline is approaching, there should be enough time for the building permit to be granted without the dispute between the Budapest city council and District II.
District II Fidesz mayor Zsolt Láng has described the city council’s plans as “unconsidered” and “rushed”. Budapest public transport company BKV, which drew up the plans in spring 2008, told news website index.hu that District II had been involved in the preparation of the project, and its proposals had been taken into account. This seems astonishing given the number of conditions that District II is now attempting to attach to its agreement.
In the course of connecting tram 61 and the 19 and 41 lines with tramline 17, District II would like the area in front of the Lukács baths to be revamped, as well as a new traffic lane in front of the Komjádi baths. The district council is also demanding a park and ride car park at the Bécsi út-Vörösvári út crossroads, as well as the rebuilding of the junction at Zsigmond tér, which is currently unsafe.
Spokesman for the city and suburban transport interests association Dávid Vitézy believes that the district’s demands are reasonable and complained that the city council has so far made no efforts to negotiate with District II. Now the two sides must try to find common ground: Budapest mayor Gábor Demszky called for talks between the capital and the district last week.
 Add as favourites (17) | Views: 412
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved |
