Milan Knežević, the leader of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP), stated that the government’s document outlining guarantees for the residents of Botun regarding the operation of the wastewater collector does not include any provision for changing the location of the plant. During a press conference, Knežević emphasized that the decision regarding the government’s offer will ultimately rest with the residents of Botun, not with him or his colleague Mihailo Asanović.
The document, according to Knežević, appears to be a compilation of proposals made by another official, Mujović. He highlighted that while it outlines various obligations, it notably omits the crucial demand for a relocation of the facility, which he described as a key concern for the people of Botun. “The document has been presented to the media and public before members of the government have had the chance to review it,” Knežević remarked.
He called upon Prime Minister Spajić to reach out to the residents of Botun if the document is approved during the government session. Knežević urged that discussions should commence based on what he termed a “pseudo-epochal solution” that the government is attempting to present, aiming to ease tensions and find a compromise. He reiterated that he and Asanović are not the appropriate representatives to respond to the government’s offer, insisting that the Botun citizens need direct dialogue with the Prime Minister.
In a follow-up statement, Knežević described a recent gathering in Botun as “the largest and most numerous since 2020.” He stressed that the event was organized by the residents themselves, rather than by any political leaders. “We are facing a malicious media campaign aimed at discrediting the citizens of Botun and Zeta, attempting to paint them as followers of our agenda,” he said. Knežević further noted that certain coalition partners are trying to frame them as obstacles to the European Union’s path and development.
Asanović, the President of the Municipality of Zeta, also expressed strong opposition to the temporary storage of hazardous waste near the former Aluminium Plant (KAP). He reiterated that any form of hazardous waste storage is unacceptable for the community. “The location near the former KAP poses a direct threat to public health,” Asanović stated.
He urged that prior to the government’s anticipated decision on October 23, 2023, the promise to address the red sludge pool must be fulfilled. “We have been hearing this promise for 10 to 15 years, and it is contradictory for the government to propose a plan that includes storing hazardous waste next to the same site,” Asanović remarked.
According to him, it seems the government is reconsidering its approach. “You have seen that the government has sent some conclusions that are modified compared to what Mujović offered to the people of Botun last week,” he noted, indicating a possible shift in strategy.
The ongoing discussions reflect the contentious atmosphere surrounding local governance and environmental safety in the region, as residents continue to advocate for their rights and health considerations in the face of proposed governmental changes.
