Protests Erupt Over Wastewater Plant in Montenegro’s Capital

Residents of the village of Botun in Montenegro are protesting plans for a new wastewater treatment plant, a project that has sparked significant controversy in the capital, Podgorica. Concerns about the environmental and health impacts of the proposed facility have led to ongoing demonstrations, with local citizens camping out to voice their opposition. The situation is becoming increasingly tense, with the potential for political ramifications if the government does not address the community’s concerns.

The proposed plant is part of a larger initiative to upgrade Podgorica’s outdated wastewater infrastructure, which has been a persistent issue for years. Currently, the city’s wastewater system, established in **1978**, is designed to serve **55,000** residents, but the population of Podgorica has surged to nearly **180,000** according to recent census data. The need for modernization is critical, as failure to move forward could result in a loss of approximately **€100 million** in funding from the European Union.

Residents of Botun argue that the construction of the plant will jeopardize their health and the local environment. Protests have been ongoing for nearly a month, with local leader **Jagoš Bećirović** stating that the community will decide their next steps after a planned referendum on **December 14, 2023**. This referendum will allow the **12,747** registered voters in Zeta to express their views on the wastewater project, although the results will not be binding for the capital.

In meetings with government officials, including Prime Minister **Milojko Spajić** and Mayor **Sasha Mujović**, residents were promised that the government would manage existing environmental issues in Botun, including the cleanup of red sludge ponds. Mujović emphasized that the government’s proposal was fair and should not pose a health risk to the community. He remarked, “I genuinely want reason to prevail, as I believe the offer from the government and the capital city is exceptionally reasonable.”

Despite these assurances, the political landscape remains fraught. The ruling **Democratic People’s Party** (DNP), led by **Milan Knežević**, has indicated that they may withdraw from the local government if the construction begins, reflecting the deep divisions on this issue. Other parties, including the **Socialist People’s Party** (SNP) and local representatives from the **Democratic Montenegro** and **New Serbian Democracy**, have expressed opposition to the construction, complicating the government’s position.

The stakes are high, as the construction of the Botun facility represents the largest environmental project supported by the EU in Montenegro, with nearly **€33 million** in grants allocated for the new system. The contract for the construction was awarded to the Turkish consortium **Kuzu Group** in **2022**. EU officials have repeatedly stated that meeting the criteria outlined in Chapter 27—environmental protection—will not be possible without the commencement of this project.

Montenegro has committed to having **29** wastewater treatment plants operational by **2035**, in order to connect **95 percent** of its population to a sewage system. The Botun facility is crucial for addressing the wastewater issues in the capital, yet the unresolved boundary disputes between Podgorica and Zeta complicate matters further.

As protests continue, the future of the wastewater treatment plant hangs in the balance, and the government faces pressure to reconcile the differing interests of local residents and broader infrastructural needs. The outcome of the upcoming referendum may play a pivotal role in determining the direction of this contentious project.