UPDATE: Podgorica’s Mayor, Saša Mujović, announced today that the location for the wastewater treatment facility in Botun is now set in stone and cannot be changed. This news comes amid ongoing community concerns and opposition from local residents who want the project relocated.
During a press conference, Mujović stated, “There is a matter we can no longer negotiate about—the location for the wastewater treatment facility in Botun.” He explained that changing the site would require extensive new processes, including contamination studies and geological analyses, which could take between two to three years to complete.
Residents of Botun have voiced strong objections, stating their distrust and determination against the construction. Mujović revealed that he has held multiple meetings with the community, emphasizing their firm stance: “There will be no construction in Botun.” He further addressed concerns regarding the plant’s environmental impact, asserting that the plant would not operate until the existing red sludge basin from KAP is remediated, a process expected to cost around €10 million.
The mayor rebuffed claims suggesting that the facility would turn Botun into a “Chernobyl,” arguing that moving the plant within the same neighborhood would not eliminate potential risks. He added that over 30% of Botun residents would benefit from improved sewage systems, while 50% of jobs created would be reserved for locals in Botun and Zeta.
In a critical move, the government adopted ten conclusions, including mandates for the Ministry of Ecology to monitor emissions closely. If harmful gas levels exceed limits set by the IED 2010/75/EU directive, operations must cease immediately. Mujović reiterated that the plant will not commence operations until the sludge basin is cleaned up, a step he described as essential for community safety.
Despite the urgency of the situation, both Mujović and Damjan Ćulafić, the Minister of Ecology, could not specify when construction would start. Mujović stated, “For us, work could begin tomorrow,” emphasizing the need for all necessary conditions to be met by the 31 December deadline for funding from Kfv bank.
The local director of “Vodovod i kanalizacija,” Aleksandar Nišavić, assured citizens that the facility would be constructed properly and would not jeopardize public health. He emphasized that this project is crucial for resolving significant municipal issues.
As the situation develops, residents and stakeholders are urged to remain engaged. Mujović has indicated that there is already interest from investors to help remediate the sludge basin, which could be a positive sign for the community.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment for Podgorica and the residents of Botun, as the city balances urgent infrastructure needs against community concerns. The government’s next steps will be closely watched as this situation unfolds.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
