UPDATE: Protests erupt in Botun as residents oppose the construction of a wastewater treatment plant, putting €100 million in EU funding at risk. The situation is escalating as local authorities prepare for a critical referendum on December 14, 2023, which will determine the fate of this vital project for Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica.
Residents of Botun have been protesting for nearly a month, expressing fears that the proposed facility will jeopardize their health and environment. As tensions rise, the Zeta municipality has scheduled a referendum to gauge local support, while protest leader Jagoš Bećirović emphasizes the community’s determination to voice their concerns. “We will take further actions after the citizens of Zeta express their views,” he stated.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Podgorica Mayor Saša Mujović, assurances were made regarding environmental protections, including the remediation of existing pollution issues in Botun. Mujović defended the project, asserting that it poses no health risks to citizens and should proceed without delay. “I genuinely hope that reason prevails,” he noted.
Failure to commence construction by the end of this year could lead to severe financial repercussions for Podgorica, jeopardizing €33 million in EU grants aimed at modernizing the city’s outdated wastewater infrastructure. The existing system, built in 1978, is currently overwhelmed, serving nearly 180,000 residents, far exceeding its intended capacity of 55,000.
This project is critical for Montenegro’s commitment to the EU, which mandates the construction of 29 wastewater treatment plants by 2035. If the building does not begin as scheduled, it could hinder Montenegro’s EU accession talks, particularly within Chapter 27 concerning environmental protection.
Political dynamics are also at play, with leaders from the ruling Democratic People’s Party, including Milan Knežević, threatening to withdraw from the government if construction proceeds. This reflects deeper concerns about the potential impact on public health and the environment, as residents worry that the new collector may exacerbate existing issues with red sludge pollution.
As the deadline approaches, the situation remains fluid. The referendum will be a pivotal moment for both the community of Botun and the future of Podgorica’s wastewater management. Keep an eye on developments as this urgent issue unfolds.
