Concerns regarding the quality of drinking water in Podgorica have escalated following a public exchange between local officials. Aleksandar Nišavić, the Executive Director of the Podgorica water supply company Vodovod i kanalizacija, responded to criticisms from city council member Jelena Knežević, who recently characterized water in the city as increasingly uncertain and luxurious.
Nišavić highlighted that Knežević, during her previous tenure as a medical student and later as a physician and high-ranking party official, had not shown concern for the issues surrounding the Mareza Water Source. He asserted that her current focus on the water quality problem reflects a long-standing negligence that has persisted for decades. “It is interesting that during her time in significant governmental roles, including a period as the Prime Minister of Montenegro, she did not address the turbidity issues at Mareza. Now, she raises the alarm when the current state indicates a high level of neglect,” Nišavić remarked.
Nišavić challenged Knežević to share any relevant information she might have regarding the turbidity at the Mareza source. He posed several critical questions that are essential to understanding the situation:
1. How long has the turbidity at the Mareza water source been present?
2. Have water permits been secured over the past 30 years, and have sanitary protection zones been established?
3. When were the canals that channel excess water from the Mareza water source last cleaned, and when was the main riverbed of the Mareza last maintained?
He criticized the previous management for failing to initiate the proper procedures for securing water permits and establishing sanitary protection zones, which allowed for uncontrolled activities near the water source. “The new management has begun these necessary procedures, but the current state complicates matters significantly,” he added.
Another major point raised by Nišavić was the lack of maintenance of the Mareza riverbed, which has not been regularly cleared for over 15 years. This neglect has led to water not flowing swiftly enough, contributing to increased turbidity levels. The new city administration has entered into a cleaning process and has documented alarming conditions at the site.
Nišavić noted that this situation reflects the negligence, incompetence, and unplanned management of previous administrations. He emphasized that the public will soon be informed about the findings from the cleaning process, which will expose the consequences of years of inaction.
In a bid to foster collaboration, Nišavić extended an invitation to Knežević to visit the water source together, encouraging her to consider the implications of her political statements. He asserted, “Even if she is aware of the situation, using it for political gain is not in the best interest of public health and safety.”
The ongoing dialogue around the quality of drinking water in Podgorica not only highlights the challenges facing the city’s water management but also underscores the importance of accountability among public officials regarding the stewardship of vital resources.
