UPDATE: Residents of Podgorica are still waiting for promised compensation following devastating fires in August 2022. The government has yet to finalize decisions regarding the €1.7 million in aid for those impacted, leaving many victims in a state of uncertainty.
Fire victims have been reaching out to city officials daily for updates on their compensation claims. Nikola Jocic, head of the commission assessing damage from natural disasters, confirmed that as of now, a total of 334 claims have been submitted, primarily related to the catastrophic fires that ravaged over 300 hectares of land.
The fires, which especially affected the Piperi region, destroyed numerous agricultural properties, including vineyards and farms, and wiped out over 43,000 grapevines. Local agriculture has taken a significant hit, placing the livelihoods of many residents at risk.
As of now, only 244 claims have been processed, while others await completion due to incomplete documentation. Jocic stressed that the commission acted swiftly, visiting all affected households and gathering necessary information within just four months. However, the compensation process remains stalled.
While Prime Minister Milojko Spajic had previously promised full compensation for the victims, officials have indicated that payouts may only cover around 10-20% of the assessed damages. This has led to growing frustration among victims who fear they may not receive adequate support.
In a recent statement, Jocic noted that approximately €124,000 had been raised from donations for recovery efforts. The government has also allocated an additional €300,000 for direct aid, alongside €400,000 from the Montenegro Eco Fund.
Despite these efforts, residents are concerned that they will not receive sufficient compensation to cover their losses. Some reports suggest that the compensation may be limited to a mere 10% of the total assessed damages, further exacerbating fears among the affected communities.
The government has indicated that further consideration will be given to increasing the compensation limit, but the ultimate decision rests with the cabinet. As of now, those in need of assistance are encouraged to contact relevant authorities for information regarding aid distribution.
The Montenegro government is expected to meet on March 12, 2026, to discuss the allocation of €200,000 to the commission for disaster damage assessment, a move that could potentially affect the compensation dynamics.
With the situation still unresolved, victims are left in limbo, anxiously awaiting news on their futures. The urgency is palpable as the community grapples with recovery amidst uncertainty.
