Residents of Botun are expressing strong opposition to plans for a wastewater treatment facility in their community. Local citizen, Jagoš Bećirović, highlighted the ongoing discontent, stating that the community has been voicing concerns for over 20 years, particularly since the arrival of Mayor Saša Mujović. The call to action comes as residents prepare to celebrate the New Year and Christmas holidays in tents set up to protest the proposed construction.
During an interview on the morning program Budilnik on Television E, Bećirović revealed that Mujović’s recent infrastructure proposal—which includes roads, schools, and a bus line—has been perceived as an attempt to pressure residents. He described the mayor’s offer as a form of coercion, arguing, “This is a very unserious proposal from Mr. Mujović because we already have a school and roads. What we lack is a clean environment, which he seems to have forgotten.”
The deadline for the beginning of construction of the wastewater treatment plant is set for December 31. Despite this looming date, Bećirović remains skeptical about the project’s initiation, expressing hope that Mayor Mujović will reconsider his stance. “It is clear that the people have been protesting for over 20 years, and the recent referendum shows this,” he stated.
On December 4, a referendum revealed that 98.4 percent of voters in the Municipality of Zeta opposed the construction of the wastewater facility. Bećirović contends that continued insistence on the project signals pressure on the residents rather than genuine engagement with their concerns.
He urged Mujović, who is also a university professor, to listen to the community. “I hope that reason will prevail and that the will of the people will be respected,” Bećirović said. He emphasized that the residents are not interested in additional infrastructure if it comes at the expense of their environment.
As the situation develops, the residents of Botun remain committed to their cause, aiming to protect their community against what they perceive as environmental threats. The outcome of this dispute may hinge on whether local authorities choose to heed the clear message sent by their constituents.
