Bulgaria's government has given a start to the rehabilitation of the road between the northeastern cities of Shumen and Silistra, which has not been repaired in 35 years.

The repairs of the 107-km road section was opened by Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and Regional Development Minister Rosen Plevneliev.

"Here is how this road looks – it hasn't been touched in 35 years. We are doing that in a time of crisis. Others dream but under me things happen and work gets done," Borisov stated in the village of Venets.

"You have wonderful climate and nature here. You see how the Bulgarian Christians and Bulgarian Muslims live together here but there is no road to bring investors to the region. When we complete the highways and fix the infrastructure, I guarantee that this place will be bustling with investors in 4-5 years. Because there will be reasons for them to come, there will be a road on which to come, and one which to transport their produce," the Prime Minister said referring to the fact that parts of Northeastern Bulgaria have substantial Muslim population.

The rehabilitation of the Silistra-Shumen road – which is also an international road as the Danube port of Silistra is connected with Romania by land and via a ferry – will cost BGN 42.4 M without VAT. 65% of the money will come from a European Investment Bank loan, and 35% - from the state budget.

The project will be carried out by Patinzheneringstroy EAD, a firm based in Targovishte, in 24 months.