Plans for a wastewater treatment plant in the village of Botun, located within the municipality of Zeta near Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, have ignited significant public unrest. Local residents have been protesting for nearly a month against the proposed facility, expressing concerns over potential health risks and environmental impacts. The situation has raised questions about the government’s stability and the potential loss of vital financial support from the European Union.
Residents of Botun, supported by the municipal authorities of Zeta, are set to hold a referendum on December 14, 2023, to determine whether the community supports the construction of the plant. One protester, Jagoš Bećirović, indicated that the outcome of the referendum will dictate the next steps for the residents. “We will organize a citizens’ assembly next week to announce further actions,” he noted.
The referendum involves 12,747 eligible voters from Zeta, but its outcome is not binding for Podgorica’s leadership, which has expressed its intention to proceed with the project regardless of local opposition.
Government Assurances and Community Concerns
On a recent visit, local residents met with Milojko Spajić, the Prime Minister, and Saša Mujović, the Mayor of Podgorica. During this meeting, assurances were given that the government would address previous environmental issues in Botun, including the remediation of red sludge pools. The officials also promised continuous monitoring of emissions and a halt to operations if pollution levels exceeded EU standards.
Mujović stated, “I genuinely hope that reason prevails, as I believe the government’s offer is extremely fair. The facility is not a polluter, citizens’ health is not at risk, and there is no reason not to commence construction at the defined location.”
Despite these assurances, the unresolved boundary issue between Zeta and Podgorica complicates the situation, as Zeta became an independent municipality only three years ago, after previously being part of Podgorica. The lack of clear territorial boundaries has hindered cooperation and added to the local tensions regarding the project.
Financial Stakes and EU Compliance
Failure to commence construction on the wastewater treatment facility by the end of the year could cost Montenegro approximately €100 million in potential EU funding. The Botun project represents the largest environmental initiative supported by the EU in Montenegro, with nearly €33 million in non-repayable funds allocated for the new sewage system and collector. This investment covers over 40 percent of the total project costs, supplemented by a loan from the German development bank, KfW.
The city of Podgorica signed a contract with the Turkish consortium Kuzu Group in 2022 to undertake the construction. EU officials have repeatedly stated that compliance with Chapter 27—environmental protection—cannot be achieved until construction begins.
Montenegro has committed to having a total of 29 wastewater treatment plants operational by 2035, ensuring that 95 percent of the population is connected to a sewage system. The plant in Botun is expected to resolve the pressing issue of wastewater treatment for the capital, as the existing plant was built in 1978 and was designed to accommodate just 55,000 residents. According to the 2023 census, Podgorica’s population has surged to nearly 180,000.
Political Ramifications of Local Opposition
The protests have exposed deep divisions within the local political landscape. Milan Knežević, the leader of the ruling Democratic People’s Party, has been vocal in opposing the construction, even threatening to withdraw his party from the government if the project proceeds. “If the police start to beat the residents of Zeta, we will leave the government,” he declared.
Opposition to the plant also comes from the SNP party and local officials from the Democratic Montenegro and New Serbian Democracy parties. Despite this opposition at the local level, leaders of these parties have not publicly challenged the government’s plans to build the collector in Botun.
Critics argue that the protests may serve as a political spectacle, suggesting that politicians could be exploiting the concerns of a few hundred residents who have long lived in an area affected by pollution from red sludge. The fear is that the new collector could further endanger their health, raising ethical questions about the decision-making processes at play in this contentious issue.
As the deadline for construction looms, the outcome of the referendum and subsequent political maneuvers will significantly impact the future of wastewater management in Montenegro and the nation’s relationship with the EU.
