UPDATE: Montenegro is set to launch a groundbreaking project for a €47.3 million wastewater treatment plant in Botun, a critical step in addressing the environmental crisis in Podgorica. Authorities confirmed that construction is expected to begin shortly, stirring intense public interest and debate.
As the commencement date approaches, tensions rise among residents concerned about the project’s implications. Ivan Vuković, former mayor of Podgorica and a key signatory of the project agreement, emphasized the significance of this initiative. “This moment caps two decades of efforts to resolve the region’s largest ecological issue,” he stated, highlighting the daily discharge of untreated sewage into the Moraca River and, subsequently, into Lake Skadar.
The project, important for both environmental and public health, is backed by substantial funding. The European Union has allocated €33 million in grants, while the KfW Bank of Germany is providing a favorable loan of €35 million. Vuković noted the expertise of Fichtner Water and Transport GmbH, a renowned German firm with over a century of experience in similar projects worldwide.
The construction involves multiple phases. So far, two of the four phases have been completed, including the installation of over 20 kilometers of sewage pipelines and a new bridge facilitating wastewater transport across the Moraca River. Currently, 90% of the third phase, which involves building a main collector, is finished.
The wastewater treatment facility will include a sludge incinerator, marking the final, most challenging phase of this project. A consortium of Turkish companies, including Kuzu Grup and Alkatas, won the international tender to develop and construct the plant. These companies have extensive experience, including projects in Istanbul servicing 16 million people.
Despite the project’s promise, residents have raised concerns about its environmental implications, particularly regarding the incinerator’s impact. Vuković reassured the public that the equipment is state-of-the-art, adhering to the highest ecological standards, and debunked misinformation circulating about its technology.
“This facility will not only solve the waste disposal problem but also generate significant energy for the system’s operation,” he explained. Vuković pointed out that modern incinerators are commonplace in wealthy European nations, including Norway and Germany.
Concerns have also been voiced regarding potential delays. Vuković warned that any hold-up could cost Podgorica between €47.3 million to €177 million in lost funding and damages. “This could result in a financial and reputational disaster for Montenegro,” he cautioned, stressing the urgency of proceeding without delay.
Amid rising political tensions, both Vuković and current mayor Saša Mujović expressed a commitment to transparent communication with the public. Vuković acknowledged that past government administrations failed to effectively engage Botun residents, leading to misunderstandings about the project’s benefits.
“I believe that understanding will prevail, and the people of Botun will see the advantages of these planned projects,” Vuković concluded. As Podgorica prepares for this crucial development, the community is urged to stay informed and involved as the situation unfolds.
With the future of Montenegro’s environmental landscape at stake, the successful completion of the Botun wastewater treatment facility can set a precedent for sustainable development in the region. Residents, officials, and stakeholders are encouraged to follow the project’s progress closely, as its implications will shape the ecological health of the area for years to come.
