DNP Threatens Withdrawal from Government Over Water Plant Protests

The ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed wastewater treatment plant in Botun has escalated, with the Democratic People’s Party (DNP) warning of serious political repercussions if law enforcement adopts repressive measures against local protesters. During a press conference, DNP representative Milan Knežević announced that the party would initiate steps to withdraw from both local and national government if such actions were taken against the residents.

Knežević emphasized the importance of respecting the results of the upcoming referendum regarding the construction of the plant. He stated that any disregard for these results would lead to reciprocal actions from the residents of Botun. The announcement comes as tensions rise over the planned facility, which has a projected cost of approximately €20 million, but lacks a comparative cost analysis with similar projects in Europe and the region.

Critics have raised concerns about potential cost escalations associated with the project. Knežević pointed out that the existing contracts contain commercial elements that could allow for unregulated increases in expenses. He expressed skepticism regarding the management of underground operations, stating, “Where is the greatest theft? Underground. When pipes are laid, and it is claimed something broke, how can that be controlled?” This assertion highlights the vulnerabilities in monitoring and oversight of such large-scale infrastructure projects.

The DNP representative also criticized the technological aspects of the project. He argued that the proposed technology does not align with modern trends, lacking advanced automation features. Furthermore, he noted that the agreements do not account for existing pollution or the remediation of land contaminated by red sludge. “There is no clear monitoring outlined for the impact during and after construction, and the financial aspects are not justified in a way that explains the optimality of investment,” Knežević remarked.

Knežević called for an independent review of the project documentation and technical solutions in line with EU standards. He insisted that a thorough geochemical assessment of the site must be conducted and that any continuation of work should be contingent on additional measurements and sanitary measures.

He raised concerns about the contractor selected for the project, noting that the Turkish company involved has primarily worked in regions outside Europe, including areas such as western Tehran, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Uzbekistan. “They have done work in Bursa and parts of Istanbul,” he added, questioning their suitability for the Botun project.

Additionally, Knežević highlighted that the red sludge basin is privately owned by an individual named Jevrić from Berane. He pointed out the challenges the state faces in acquiring the necessary land, stating, “Who can force Jevrić to sell the basin?” This underscores the complexities surrounding the project and the interplay between public and private interests.

The DNP has urged the judiciary to become involved due to the apparent discrepancies in the contracts received compared to the project’s requirements. Knežević stated, “I believe I have fully upheld the integrity of this contract and exposed the underlying issues.”

In a firm stance, he declared that if police force is used against the residents of Botun, he would immediately convene a meeting of the party presidency to propose a withdrawal from the government in both Podgorica and at the national level. Knežević warned that the removal of the DNP’s support for the current administration would lead to significant political changes.

He also encouraged the residents of Zeta to vote against the construction in the upcoming referendum, asserting that “everyone who ignores the results of the referendum will face reciprocal actions from the people of Botun.” He concluded with confidence that the citizens of Zeta would respond favorably to the call to oppose the project.