Blow to Kosovo materials hopefuls

Exclusive by Michael Gordon



British building suppliers looking to capitalise on the reconstruction of Kosovo were dealt a blow last week by the minister for construction and urban planning in Macedonia.

Dusco Kenyeski, told CJ: "Macedonia has all types of construction material and sanitation equipment as well as light and heavy machinery available. We also have 40,000 construction workers in the area."

However, he added that he is looking to UK contractors to offer financial support and technology transfers and anticipates that Macedonian contractors will capitalise on western technology.

Kenyeski suggested that the reconstruction programme in Kosovo and neighbouring provinces could last as long as 20 years. He warned that although the task force time scale estimates looked accurate, "the scope of work still remains disputable."

The majority of enquiries have so far come from the European Union and the United States although the minister spent the previous week in negotiations, both in Macedonia and Germany, with German contractors.

Kenyeski also reiterated the need for joint ventures between UK and Macedonian contractors, "due to compatibility advantages," but warned that non-EU projects partnered with Macedonians would not be underwritten by the Macedonian authorities.

He added: "The crisis has caused huge economic and social damage to Macedonia and any aid packages or charitably funded work packages will not off-set or compensate for the expenditure Macedonia has endured."

UK-based Hunting Engineering, and US-based Brown and Root have survived the Ministry of Defence shortlist for temporary field accommodation in Kosovo. Taylor Woodrow and Taylor Facilities Management failed to make the cut for the contract believed to be worth £110 million.

The final decision is due by the end of this month.