"EkoZem" signed contract on rental of Lido, promised investments of €25m, but, 2 months later, none of investments was realized

At the beginning of April 2005, the contract was signed by Municipality of Zemun and Consortium «EkoZem» on four-year rental of popular beach Lido. The renter of that space promised to invest about €25m in organization of that space within next four years. On that ocassion it was announced that the suspension bridge, 12 m wide, would be the first thing built. It will connect Big War Island with the Zemun Quay. The other investments would then follow. However, two months have passed from the signing of the contract and nothing has been done yet. Construction of bridge has not started and big part of the beach is still under water. Still, Municipality of Zemun, as well as Consortium «EkoZem», says that all conditions from the contract will be fulfilled and that the only reason why construction of bridge, as well as other investments, has not commenced is – paper works. Žarko Pavlović, director of Consortium «EkoZem» says that they have recently received agreement from the Republic Directorate for Property. Soon all other required documents will be obtained.

According to the contract signed between Municipality of Zemun and Consortium «EkoZem», the beach will get new showers, dressing booths, organized pier for boats, beach volleyball and football courts, new lighting system, outdoor cinema, as well as other contents. The plan is that pedestrian and biking tracks, golf courts, marina for boats and yachts be built in the later phases. The water supply problem will be solved by construction of «cascade pits». Suspension bridge, which will not be disassembled at the end of the season, will start in the vicinity of Džona Kenedija Street.

Municipality of Zemun will receive rent fee of €6,000 every month. It is most likely that only basic investments will be realized this summer, as well as provision of appropriate access to the island. The main project will most probably be implemented next summer.