Residents of Botun and Zeta have gathered for a protest against the ongoing construction of a wastewater treatment plant in the industrial zone of the Aluminium Plant (KAP) in Botun. The protest is set to commence at 14:00 local time, near the site of the construction. Authorities anticipate a significant turnout, as locals have expressed their determination to continue demonstrating until their concerns are addressed.
Police presence in the area is substantial, with several patrols deployed alongside approximately twenty members of a special unit equipped for crowd control. The construction site is also guarded by the Montenegro Security Guard. The construction activities have resumed in the KAP industrial zone, drawing further opposition from the community.
On January 13, 2024, residents began daily demonstrations, including blocking vital traffic routes in Zeta and Podgorica. These actions followed a previous protest on Sunday, where hundreds of locals blocked a roundabout near Podgorica Airport for four hours, from 12:00 to 16:00. Protest leaders reiterated their stance, declaring they will maintain their protests until construction work is halted and negotiations with authorities resume.
The protestors had paused their activities on January 6 for the religious holiday of Bogojavljenje, but they have now returned to the streets. According to the Podgorica Security Department, 31 individuals were sanctioned last week for participating in unregistered gatherings, while one person faced penalties for obstructing a railway line with an unregistered van. Additionally, there were incidents during the previous protests that led to arrests due to public order violations.
As the protestors prepare to gather at the construction site, the strong police presence indicates the authorities’ efforts to manage the situation. Photographers from local media have documented the escalating tensions, highlighting the community’s resolve against the wastewater treatment plant project.
The ongoing dispute underscores the community’s deep concerns about environmental impacts and the need for effective dialogue with government representatives. The residents of Zeta and Botun have made it clear that they will continue to mobilize as they seek a resolution to their grievances.
