Residents of Botun Reject Government Wastewater Plant Proposal

The ongoing controversy surrounding the construction of a wastewater treatment facility in Botun has intensified, with local residents firmly rejecting a proposal put forth by the government. Despite assurances from the government that the facility would not be operational until the red mud pond is remediated, residents expressed their dissatisfaction, labeling the offer as unacceptable.

On December 10, 2023, the government provided guarantees to the people of Botun, promising that the wastewater collector would not commence operations until the longstanding issue of the red mud pond is resolved. This was hoped to ease tensions, but instead, it has led to further discontent among the community. Residents voiced their frustration, stating that they had received similar proposals from the Mayor of Podgorica, Saša Mujović, which they found equally disappointing.

A representative of the residents declared, “The government’s offer is unacceptable. It is disappointing. The government is not listening to us. We are protesting against the location, but they are offering us the same proposals we have already heard.” This sentiment reflects the deep-rooted concerns of the Botun community regarding the environmental implications of the proposed facility.

At a press conference, Milan Knežević, leader of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP), and Mihailo Asanović, President of the Municipality of Zeta, emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the citizens. They indicated that the government’s document fails to address the crucial demand for a change of location, which is central to the residents’ objections.

Mayor Mujović reaffirmed that there would be no change in the location for the construction of the wastewater treatment plant. He stated, “There is a matter on which we cannot agree or discuss further, and that is the location for the construction of the wastewater treatment facility.” Mujović explained that altering the site would necessitate a new process including contamination studies and geological analyses, which could take two to three years.

As of now, there is no confirmed start date for the construction of the facility. Mujović indicated that all necessary permits are in place to commence work immediately. He noted that the facility would not operate until the remediation of the red mud pond is completed, which he estimates will cost around €10 million.

The urgency surrounding this project is heightened by a deadline of December 31, 2023, by which the state must secure funding for the wastewater collector from European Union loans and grants. “Today is December 10. You know what the deadline is,” Mujović remarked, highlighting the pressing nature of the situation. He stressed that the construction of the wastewater treatment facility is a critical step for Montenegro in closing Chapter 27 related to environmental standards and climate change.

The European Union has allocated nearly €33 million in grants for a new sewage system and the wastewater treatment plant for Podgorica. The EU has made it clear that Montenegro cannot close Chapter 27 without the construction of the collector.

In light of the ongoing tensions, Maida Gorcvić, Minister for European Affairs, stated that any delay in the construction would result in significant financial consequences. She expressed full support for Mayor Mujović, asserting that he is addressing the issues as effectively as possible.

Local leaders, including Knežević, have warned that the upcoming referendum on the wastewater collector, scheduled for December 14, 2023, will be binding. Knežević stated that any violence or police intervention against the citizens of Zeta would lead him to withdraw from government. “If the police act against any citizen of Botun or Zeta, I will initiate my exit from the government,” he declared, emphasizing his commitment to the community’s rights.

As the situation unfolds, the residents of Botun remain steadfast in their opposition to the proposed location for the wastewater treatment facility, seeking a solution that addresses their environmental concerns. The next steps will heavily depend on the outcome of the forthcoming referendum and whether the government can find a compromise that satisfies all parties involved.