PUBLIC WORKS MINISTER CRITICISES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MINISTRY

ZAGREB, July 12 (Hina) - The resigned Public Works, Reconstruction and Construction Minister, Radimir Cacic, on Friday criticised the Environmental Protection and Zoning Ministry for its actions to stop works on the Zagreb-Gorican Highway in the height of the construction season. #L# Commenting on the stoppage of the construction works on the Zagreb- Gorican Highway which has not as yet received a valid building permit, Cacic said that not one road construction site had a permit and called on the Zoning Minister to close them all if he wished. If the Ministry believes that it is overburdened with requests for building permits then it should say so, Cacic said reminding that this was why the Highway Commission was set up. Proving one's "bureaucratic mentality" on the Zagreb-Gorican Highway is no coincidence, Cacic said and added that clerks were receiving bribes until yesterday which now was not that easy but there are still some people "who are trying to prove their power". If they are trying to do this to the Government then we can be sure they are exposing ordinary citizens to the same treatment, Cacic said. He said that once works were halted the construction site would be conserved and if a permit is issued by August 8 then his Ministry would attempt to complete the highway by the set deadline. (hina) sp