Although the matter in hand is a misunderstanding and it was established that the structure does not represent a provocation for the inhabitants of the neighbouring village of Podgorci, nevertheless we are still left with the problem of an illegal activity of a current mayor during an election campaign

During one of the working visits in the cities from Western Macedonia, on Monday, 11 March, Civil – Center for Freedom got information that a structure is being built in the locality of Vevchani, which triggered misunderstanding and tensions between the local inhabitants.

A day earlier, the structure was solemnly commissioned and the cornerstone was placed. It was still a speculation, up to the moment when we headed towards Vevchani. The moment the road from Struga branched off to the villages of Vevchani and Podgorci we saw for ourselves that construction works were underway. Obviously it was an impressive structure and, of course, we obtained the first information from the construction workers.

They introduced themselves as a private construction company, which so far has constructed many buildings in this region, such as the Ohrid hospital, “Via Ignatia” hotel in Vevchani and others. “This time we are working on a gate, the Municipality was planning this project for quite some time and it should symbolise a ‘Welcome’ in it”, the workers confirmed, as did some inhabitants of the village who were passing by.

The act of laying foundations and constructions for 5 metres concrete pillars triggered disapprovals by the inhabitants of the neighbouring village of Podgorci, which one can reach through the same road leading to Vevchani , as they were not timely informed of this project, and they took the commissioning even more irritating, since they knew nothing about it.

The inhabitants of Podgorci, a village with diverse ethnic groups, began to fear that perhaps someone is obstructing their road to the field, that someone wants to isolate them. “What is this? It looks like a toll!”, or “Is this another church of some sort, or another religious temple, and no one told us it was to be built?” – those have been the first reactions and dilemmas of the locals. This was also confirmed by the construction workers, who were justifying the structure as a landmark of Vevchani, which is becoming a greater tourist attraction by the minute.

To our great delight, in order to make this information relevant, the mayor of Vevchani, Pero Ilieski, confirmed that the construction of this project was in the municipal agenda for quite some time. As to the panic and dissatisfaction among the fellow citizens who were not informed, the mayor said he additionally informed them of the details and significance of the structure by telephone.

The only remaining dilemma is whether this is the adequate time to build or execute such structures. And why was not everyone equally informed from the moment when this project was still an idea?

In a sensitive pre-election period, when the politicians and parties are more inclined to self-promotion and promises, some citizens could see certain actions as an incentive and progress, and other as bribe and provocation.