The reconstruction works of 23km-motorway section Veles-Katlanovo, worth EUR 5,7 million, were launched on Monday.

"Citizens have urged for the reconstruction of this section for quite a while and now we are delivering our promise", said Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski at the launch event.

He said works should be completed in one year, resulting in increased traffic safety, less damages to vehicles, and reduction of time for travel.

Vice Premier and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski stressed infrastructure investments were part of the sound economic policies.

"The Government's focus in this mandate is the construction of motorways. We are currently in an investment cycle exceeding EUR 1 billion, of which EUR 790 million for completion of three motorway sections Demir Kapija-Smokvica, Miladinovci-Stip and Kicevo-Ohrid. The remaining funds will be used for regional and local roads, supported by the World Bank and EBRD", said Stavreski.

Minister of Transport and Communications Mile Janakieski stressed the completion of the three sections would result in 123km of new motorways, which would contribute to the development of Macedonia's economy.

A grant from the IPA Regional Development Component covers 85 percent of the funds for the motorway reconstruction, whereas 15 percent are allocated from the national Budget.