The redevelopment of Republic Square in Belgrade has become emblematic of persistent urban development challenges, enduring extensive delays and ongoing reconstruction efforts for over seven years.

Mayor Aleksandar Šapić recently expressed frustration over the situation, revealing that despite plans for completion by September, he could not guarantee that deadline.

He acknowledged that the repeated cycle of removing and replacing cobblestones has become a source of public distress, emphasizing the need for patience as the project progresses.

The ongoing works have now led to the removal of existing cobblestones, with asphalt being laid in the surrounding streets, affecting public transportation routes due to changes announced by the public transport authority.

This revamp was initially projected to include the installation of roundabouts and underground garages; however, these plans have faced significant delays.

The foundational reconstruction of the square was initially completed in 2019. Shortly after, complaints from drivers surfaced regarding unevenly installed cobblestones.

Former mayor Goran Vesić stated that the contractor, Strabag, was instructed to rectify these issues at their own cost.

Reports have speculated about the additional costs incurred, suggesting that the removal and relaying of the cobblestones amounted to an extra 30 million dinars, claims Vesić disputes.

Further complications arose as the cobblestones were found to be laid on an inadequate base, leading to its deterioration and necessitating its complete removal in favor of asphalt.

Experts have criticized the ongoing nature of this project as indicative of broader systemic issues in urban planning and execution.

Architect Bojan Kovačević commented on the apparent negligence in planning, emphasizing the basic nature of laying granite paving stones and questioning the recurrence of such problems.

He highlighted potential factors affecting the work's durability, such as foundational settling and traffic conditions.

The situation raises concerns about the credibility of future infrastructure projects in the city, particularly when considering the planned metro system.

The planned roundabouts at Republic Square, initially intended to improve traffic flow, have also been met with skepticism regarding their feasibility due to the square's compactness and the complexity of traffic patterns in the area.

Urban planner Božena Stojić pointed out deficiencies in strategic city development, noting the absence of a General Urban Plan for Belgrade for over four years.

She criticized the reliance on ad hoc decisions that result from a lack of comprehensive planning frameworks, which allows for frequent and opportunistic project modifications.

Current urban regulations, she noted, are open to continuous changes, undermining the stability and effectiveness of urban development initiatives in Belgrade.