Knežević Criticizes Government Wastewater Plant Guarantees

In a recent press conference, Milan Knežević, leader of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP), addressed concerns regarding the government’s guarantees related to the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Botun. He emphasized that the document provided by the government does not include a provision for changing the location of the facility, a key demand from local residents.

Knežević stated that the decision regarding the government’s proposal ultimately rests with the citizens of Botun, not with him or his colleague, Mihailo Asanović. He remarked, “What we received in the media today is a compilation of what Mujović proposed. It contains various obligations but lacks any mention of a location change, which is a crucial requirement for the residents of Botun.” He also noted that the government document had not yet been reviewed by all relevant ministers, despite being shared with the media.

Call for Citizen Engagement

Knežević urged Prime Minister Spajić to engage directly with the citizens of Botun regarding the government’s proposal. He suggested that Spajić send an appeal to the residents to initiate discussions aimed at diffusing tensions and finding a compromise. “I and Asanović are not in a position to respond to the government’s offer. The citizens of Botun need to have a conversation with Prime Minister Spajić,” he said.

Knežević expressed confidence that all 81 members of parliament and the prosecutor’s office would receive a contract with a Turkish company for the construction of the wastewater collector. He also highlighted the recent gathering in Botun, which he described as “the largest and most numerous since 2020.” He clarified that the event was organized by the citizens of Botun, not by political figures, and criticized the portrayal of local residents as being manipulated by political agendas.

In response to ongoing concerns, Asanović, the President of the Zeta Municipality, labeled the temporary storage of hazardous waste at the former KAP site as unacceptable. He stressed that the location poses a direct threat to the health of nearby residents. “We want to make it clear that even before the government act is adopted on October 23, 2023, we were promised that the red sludge pool would be addressed,” he stated. Asanović pointed out that this promise has been repeated for over a decade, and it is contradictory for the government to simultaneously decide to store hazardous waste near this contaminated site.

Government’s Position and Community Reactions

Asanović noted that the government’s latest conclusions indicate a retreat from its previous proposals concerning waste management in the region. “You have seen that they have sent some conclusions that have been modified compared to what Mujović offered to the residents of Botun last week,” he remarked.

Both Knežević and Asanović are advocating for transparent communication between the government and local communities, emphasizing the need for genuine dialogue that respects the concerns of Botun’s residents. With the government set to address these matters in upcoming sessions, the focus now shifts to how officials will engage with the community and respond to their pressing demands.