Pampovo business leaders demand urgent road repairs

Local business owners and officials in the Smolyan region are calling for the immediate asphalt paving of an emergency road used to bypass a landslide that destroyed part of the main route connecting Smolyan and the Pampovo resort. The temporary route serves as the sole direct link for supplying hotels, restaurants, and transporting staff.

Smolyan Mayor Nikolay Melemov has announced a new traffic regime for the emergency road effective December 1. To manage the single lane, traffic will operate on a scheduled one-way basis: from 06:00 to 13:00 in the direction of Smolyan to Pampovo, and from 13:00 to 06:00 the following morning from Pampovo to Smolyan. Melemov stated that while the most difficult 20-30 meter section will be paved, there is insufficient funding to cover the entire length.

Business representatives, including Stefan Prisadov, CEO of Pampovo AD, argue that a gravel road cannot be safely maintained or used during winter conditions. Local property owners have warned that the lack of a fully paved road threatens the viability of over 400 apartments and 100 houses in the area, claiming that many complexes are already closed and facing bankruptcy.