29.06.2022.
Minister Stefanović Visits Crew of Pontoon Bridge to Lido Beach
Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović PhD visited members of Pontoneer units who had installed a pontoon bridge from the quay of Zemun to the Great War Island, thus facilitating the citizens’ unhindered access to the Danube beach Lido. On that occasion, Minister Stefanović commended the work and engagement of the pontoneers from the River Flotilla and called upon the citizens to take care of safety when using the bridge, and when entering the water.
- Today, we witnessed the good work of our Pontoneer Battalion and other personnel from the River Flotilla, and I wish to thank them for the highly successful performance of all their tasks another year in a row. They have installed the bridge which connects the bank of Zemun with Lido beach, and by doing so, they have this year as well, enabled our fellow citizens to safely arrive to their destination and enjoy on the Lido - Minister Stefanović said.
He asked all citizens who use the bridge to adhere to the instructions and safety measures, and to pay attention while entering the water, especially if they come to the beach with children.
- I also wish to thank all our first rate boys and girls from the River Flotilla because this is not the only thing that they do. They are on the rivers all year long providing assistance and help to local self-governments and citizens wherever it is required. I also want to point out the fact that they have truly contributed to the increased safety on our rivers - Stefanović underlined.
The minister of defence wished to the pontoneers a summer without disturbance, safe and secure one, without greater challenges.
- I have had an opportunity, both here in the camp and during the demonstrations that we watched, to see first-hand how well trained, highly competent they are and how well they maintain all their equipment and materiel that they possess. Of course, we will make effort in the upcoming period to invest additional resources to facilitate their work - Minister Stefanović announced.
During the visit to the crew of the pontoon bridge, Minister Stefanović was accompanied by the River Flotilla Commander, Navy Captain Ljubiša Marković, and on that occasion the members of the Pontoneer Battalion informed the minister about their roles and tasks. Following the visit to the camp where the pontoneers stay during the summer, Minister Stefanović watched a demonstration of water rescue and the work of the crew on preventing a vessel from hitting the bridge.
The load capacity of the pontoon bridge to the Lido beach is 20 tons, and it is 362 metres long, and it can be used by pedestrians and light vehicles, and this year, it will be functional until the end of summer season, when it will be dismantled and transported to its organic garrison.
