The footage also shows a massive steel roof structure that has already been fully installed over the pool. Additionally, in the background, one can notice the constructed concrete stands from which the audience will cheer on swimmers in the future.
These scenes are encouraging, especially considering the thorny path of this project. Recall that the contract for the first phase of work (which includes the structure, roof, and facade) was signed on September 6, 2023, between the City of Mostar and the construction company Hering.
The work was supposed to begin within 30 days, but deadlines were missed, so construction officially started only on November 15 of the same year. The main culprit for the work stoppage at that time was the demanding process of relocating the transformer station and underground cables.
The total value of the Olympic pool construction in Mostar is estimated at over 20 million BAM, with funding divided into two phases.
The first phase, currently underway, is worth 11 million BAM (nine million secured from the budget of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the remainder is covered by the City). The second phase, which will include interior work, ceramics, and equipping the facility with state-of-the-art technology, has yet to begin.
The final deadline for the complete completion of the pool was set for the end of 2025.
The Olympic pool project has been in the public spotlight for years, primarily due to the unrealized successes of Lana Pudar. Our best swimmer, despite winning world and European medals, was forced to train in pools in other cities and countries, and is now building her career in the United States.