Post-earthquake reconstruction to be completed by end of decade, says minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Property Branko Bačić announced plans on Friday for a new affordable housing zone in Velika Gorica and visited three families who have received replacement homes as part of post-earthquake reconstruction.

Speaking after a meeting with Velika Gorica Mayor Krešimir Ačkar, Bačić said that under the new Spatial Planning Act, land currently designated as agricultural - located near schools, kindergartens, and other essential infrastructure - will be rezoned for affordable housing.

The city council is expected to adopt an affordable housing program to formally designate the area, after which an urban development plan will enable the rapid construction of new apartments for young families in Velika Gorica.

Mayor Ačkar described the new legal framework as a major opportunity for local governments.

“Thanks to the new law, young families will be able to buy ready-made apartments close to schools, kindergartens, and sports facilities. What once took years can now be completed much faster,” he said.

On the topic of post-earthquake reconstruction, Bačić confirmed that work has been completed at more than 14,500 locations.

“Over 54,000 housing units and 1,309 public buildings have been renovated. All communal, transport, and energy infrastructure has been restored. Public buildings will be completed this year and replacement family homes next year. The entire rebuild, including the remaining large apartment blocks in Zagreb, will be finished by the end of the decade,” Bačić said.

Total investment so far has exceeded 4.7 billion euros, with roughly 2.4 billion euros spent on reconstruction in the Zagreb area and around 1.7 billion euros in Sisak-Moslavina County.