Radović: "Customs" is criminal because they did not pay compensation

The Montenegrin Coast Regional Water Supply Company has not calculated the investment fee, nor has a contract been signed with the Podgorica-based company "Carine" DOO for the construction of the largest resort on the coast, a hotel complex in Baošići, which is being built by that company.

This was stated by the executive director of the Regional Water Supply Company in an interview with "Vijesti". Krsto Radovic, announcing the filing of criminal charges.

Responding to the question of whether the Regional Water Supply Authority has given consent, or calculated the investment fee for the project of the Podgorica company, Radović emphasized that, in accordance with the Law on Regional Water Supply of the Montenegrin Coast, the Regional Water Supply Authority does not issue consent, but, in accordance with Article 22 of that law, calculates a special fee on the basis of which a construction permit is issued.

"The investment fee has not been calculated for the aforementioned project, nor has a contract been signed with the Podgorica-based company "Carine". We are currently awaiting information from the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, after which we will initiate the necessary procedures. The measures that will be taken will be in accordance with the law, including the initiation of criminal charges," said Radović.

Podgorica company owner, businessman Cedomir Cedo Popovic is in pretrial detention on suspicion that, contrary to the Law on Spatial Planning and Construction of Facilities, he began construction of the first and second phases of a tourist resort - a five-star hotel on cadastral plots in Kumbor and Đenovići, as well as the construction of facilities in Baošići, although the legal requirements for the said works were not met, and that he continued to carry out the works even after the decision to ban construction was issued, and that he carried out illegal writing.

Popović is also accused of carrying out work on the development of the Baošići swimming pool contrary to the decision of the competent authority for the protection of cultural property, which ordered the suspension of work until a conservation project was developed and the necessary documentation and approvals were obtained.

We have the capacity for stable supply

When it comes to water supply to coastal municipalities in anticipation of the summer, Radović said that the Regional Water Supply Company is fully prepared for the upcoming summer tourist season and has the capacities that enable stable and reliable water supply to all municipalities on the Montenegrin coast.

"The regional water supply system functions in such a way that it provides all contracted quantities of water to local water supplies without difficulty, as well as additional quantities in line with increased consumption during the tourist season. In this sense, when it comes to the Regional Water Supply, there is no reason for concern for either citizens or the tourism sector."

It is important to emphasize that the Regional Water Supply Company does not directly supply end users, but delivers water to local water supply companies, which are responsible for distribution and network management in their respective municipalities. Their readiness is within their jurisdiction, but it is expected that they will adequately respond to increased demands during the upcoming tourist season.

"The quality of water supplied from the regional water supply system is at the highest level, which is confirmed by continuous analyses and accompanying professional documentation," emphasized Radović.

He stated that contracts with all local water supply companies in coastal municipalities have been concluded, which clearly defines the quantities of water to be delivered from the regional water supply system in the upcoming period.

The price of water remains unchanged.

Radović pointed out that the price of water remains unchanged, and that it amounts to 0,40 euros per cubic meter, excluding VAT.

"The water quantities planned for 2026 are defined based on an analysis of statistical data from previous years, taking into account contractual obligations and the real needs of the system. In this sense, planning is based on expected seasonal fluctuations and past consumption trends."

At the same time, the Regional Water Supply is fully prepared to respond to all scenarios that may arise during the summer tourist season, including the peak consumption period in July and especially in August. The system is ready to provide additional quantities of water upon request from local water supply companies when demand increases. The actual quantities of water delivered may also be affected by unforeseen circumstances, such as occasional salinization of springs in Kotor and Tivat, or possible failures in local water supply systems. We would like to remind you that the extremely unfavorable hydrological situation and the occurrence of salinization in the previous period have already affected increased deliveries in 2024 and especially 2025," Radović pointed out.

Record business revenues

According to Radović, last year was extremely challenging from a hydrological perspective, but the Regional Water Supply Company, despite these circumstances, managed to maintain the stability of the system and respond to all user requests.

"Record water deliveries were also achieved, the largest since the system began operating, which is a clear indicator of its reliability and capacity. Such operational results were also accompanied by positive financial indicators, so we can point out that in 2025, record operating income was achieved since its establishment, based on water deliveries and special investment fees, in the total amount of 9.346.532 euros. I also proudly emphasize that the financial result in 2025 is better than in 2024, by 87,30 percent. In parallel with regular maintenance, a special focus was on further improving the system. In this context, a new lake water purification plant was installed last year. The trial run was successfully completed, and this year we expect it to operate at full capacity, which will further strengthen the safety and quality of water supply," said Radović.

Works on the route of the future boulevard completed by May 31st

Radović said that when it comes to the Tivat-Jaz boulevard construction project, the works related to the Regional Water Supply System are in the final phase and will be completed by May 31st.

"As part of this investment, 14 kilometers of new pipeline have been installed so far, while the remaining 500 meters will be completed within the scheduled timeframe. The new pipeline represents a significant improvement to the existing infrastructure."

Namely, the previous flow capacity was around 330 liters per second, while the new pipeline allows for a flow of up to 750 liters per second. This creates conditions for a significantly more reliable and stable water supply, especially during periods of increased consumption. Such an improvement will directly contribute to a better supply of the municipalities of Tivat and Kotor, but will also further strengthen the overall security of the regional water supply system in this part of the coast," Radović pointed out.