UPDATE: Podgorica’s Mayor, Saša Mujović, has declared that the location for the new wastewater treatment facility in Botun is final, quelling ongoing speculation and community concerns. During a press conference today, Mujović emphasized that relocating the plant is no longer an option, citing a lengthy process involving contamination studies and geological analyses that would take an estimated two to three years.
The urgency of this announcement comes as the municipality faces overwhelming public opposition. Mujović revealed that meetings with Botun residents have consistently shown a clear stance: “No construction will take place in Botun.” He attributed this resistance to mistrust and a valid desire to protect their community, a sentiment he respects.
Authorities are under pressure to ensure safety and transparency regarding the project. Mujović stated that the main city government has not hidden the contract with the Turkish company involved, but it had to be approved before public release due to legal stipulations. He noted, “We could not publish it immediately because we had to seek approval.”
Critics have raised alarms about the potential environmental impacts, dubbing the facility “Chernobyl in Botun.” Mujović countered these claims, asserting that moving the plant to a different location within the same settlement would not mitigate risks. He reiterated that operations would not commence until the municipality addresses the red mud basin issue, which is projected to cost around €10 million.
The mayor emphasized that over 30% of Botun residents would benefit from improved sewage systems, and he pledged that 50% of job opportunities at the new facility would be reserved for locals. He firmly rejected any claims of hazardous waste being stored in the region, stating, “There will be no dangerous waste deposited in the Zeta municipality or around KAP.”
In a broader context, the Government of Montenegro has issued ten crucial conclusions aimed at monitoring emissions and ensuring the plant’s compliance with environmental standards. The Ministry of Ecology has been tasked with continuous oversight of gas emissions from the plant and must halt operations if limits are exceeded.
Residents remain skeptical about the project timeline. While Mujović suggested that construction could begin as early as tomorrow, he acknowledged that the final deadline for project funding availability is December 31. Minister Damjan Ćulafić noted that earlier government conclusions could have alleviated community fears, indicating a need for better communication regarding the challenges and misunderstandings surrounding the project.
Despite the tension, Mujović has reported growing interest from investors for the cleanup of the red mud basin, signaling potential progress. Meanwhile, Aleksandar Nišavić, director of Podgorica’s Water and Sewerage Company, assured citizens that they need not fear adverse health effects from the project, emphasizing that it is critical to resolving municipal issues.
As developments unfold, residents and officials alike are urged to stay engaged with the ongoing discussions and decisions surrounding the wastewater treatment facility. The implications for the community, environment, and local employment opportunities are significant, making it essential for all stakeholders to participate actively in this crucial conversation.
