UPDATE: Protests have erupted in Botun, a village near Podgorica, as locals demand a halt to plans for a controversial wastewater treatment plant. Residents are voicing their concerns over potential health risks and environmental damage from the proposed facility, with a crucial referendum set for December 14, 2023.
The proposed construction has captured public attention for months and threatens to destabilize Montenegro’s government amid fears of losing significant European Union funding. The existing outdated wastewater system in Podgorica has been under scrutiny for years, and authorities must decide whether to proceed with the new collector by the end of the year to avoid losing approximately €100 million in EU support.
About 12,747 residents of Zeta are eligible to vote in the upcoming referendum, which, although non-binding for Podgorica, could have significant implications for local governance. Protester Jagoš Bećirović stated, “We will determine our next steps after the citizens of Zeta express their views.”
In a recent meeting with local leaders, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Mayor Saša Mujović assured residents that the government would address existing environmental hazards, including the cleanup of toxic red mud ponds. Mujović emphasized that the government’s proposal is fair, arguing, “The plant is not a polluter, and there is no reason to delay construction.”
However, the political landscape is fraught with tension. Leaders of the ruling Democratic People’s Party (DNP) have threatened to withdraw from the government if construction begins against community wishes. The opposition parties, while publicly opposing the project, appear to support the government’s plans at the national level.
The EU has invested nearly €33 million in the Botun project, making it the largest environmental initiative in Montenegro’s history. As the country aims to meet EU Chapter 27 benchmarks for environmental protection, the construction of the plant is crucial for achieving compliance by the 2035 deadline.
With Podgorica’s population swelling to nearly 180,000, the urgency for a modern wastewater treatment solution is clear. However, the conflict surrounding the project raises questions about political motives and the genuine concerns of residents who have long suffered from environmental degradation.
As protests continue and the referendum approaches, the situation in Botun remains tense. Authorities must navigate a complex political landscape while addressing the pressing environmental issues facing Montenegro. Further developments are expected as both residents and officials await the outcome of the referendum.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
