Adžović: Construction on Velje Brdo with preventive protection measures for the Mareza water source

Construction on Velje Brdo will begin with preventive measures to protect the Mareza water source, as foreseen by a preliminary hydrogeological study of the impact of construction on that water source, announced the Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović.

The preliminary study was prepared by the company Geoprojekt based on available existing documentation.

The study states that previous research did not precisely define the catchment area of ​​the Mareza spring, nor the directions of groundwater circulation.

It is emphasized that, however, the karst area of ​​the Mareze hinterland, to which the Velje Brdo area also belongs, has been singled out as a potentially vulnerable zone. It is added that such an approach is based on the precautionary principle and represents an example of a responsible attitude towards the protection of water sources.

It is stated that the Velje Brdo area, depending on the results of the research, may be classified as zone II, zone III of sanitary protection, or may be located outside these zones.

According to the current Regulations, construction is not prohibited in zones II and III, but certain restrictions and conditions are prescribed that must be respected when designing and constructing facilities.

"This was precisely the main goal of the preliminary study - preventive action and pointing out the need to conduct detailed hydrogeological research that will enable precise and expertly based conclusions," the study states.

Adžović said that the study was finally completed precisely because of the Velje Brdo project, which in practice shows the multi-layeredness and usefulness of the project itself.

She quoted the authors of the study who said that, until detailed research determines that the Velje Brdo area does not belong to the Mareza basin, it is necessary to assume that such a possibility exists.

"For this reason, preventive protection measures were proposed in the preliminary study, in order to avoid potential negative impacts on the source in the initial stages of planning and design," Adžović told the MINA-Business agency.

She stated that she is frustrated when the attacks that can be read in the media are directed at what comes from the profession itself.

"Given that studies have not been done so far and that we have not proven whether Velje Brdo will even belong to the Mareza basin, or whether it will have an impact on that source, the Ministry of Public Works is entering into such large projects meticulously and in detail," said Adžović.

She considers it frivolous to go public with things for which there is no input.

"So, we are talking about the position of the profession here, not about magical comments. I am always open to criticism, especially when it is based on arguments. But I also believe that alarming the public, before we really have clear input data, does not bring good, especially to the citizens of Montenegro," added Adžović.

Adžović said that she understands and supports every ambition that comes from outside, but that it must not overtake the knowledge, expertise, and careful planning on which every sustainable development must rest.

She stated that the benefits for citizens from the project are undeniable and that citizens believe in it more and more, and that interest has not diminished at any point.

When asked whether all these events slowed down the dynamics of the project's implementation, Adžović replied that they did not, because the production of this research was part of the plan.

"The plan certainly included the preparation of all these analyses and studies. Precisely so that tomorrow, when the water supply and wastewater disposal project is completed regarding the Velje Brdo project, we would have all the input data," said Adžović.

The Geoprojekt company explained that the largest volume of research will be conducted in the first few months.

They added that it is expected that exploratory drilling and the construction of piezometer wells will be completed by the beginning of August, so that the period of hydrological minimum (August-September) can be used to monitor the groundwater regime.

"Based on the collected data, areas of particular importance will be identified on which further research work will be focused. During the research, the Ministry will be promptly informed of all significant results, especially findings related to the Velje Brdo area," Geoprojekt said.

They explained that in order to draw relevant conclusions, it is necessary to monitor the groundwater regime during periods of low and high water, but that this does not mean that a period of 15 months is necessary to draw expert conclusions.

As they said last year, the period of extremely high waters was recorded in the first half of January, which shows that relevant data on the aquifer water regime can be obtained after approximately six months of observation (August–January).

"Upon completion of the field research, the collected data will be processed, a conceptual hydrogeological model will be developed, and a Study on the results of detailed hydrogeological research will be prepared, which will serve as the basis for defining further protection and management measures for the Mareza spring," said Geoprojekt.

When asked if it was possible to talk about a rough date when citizens could receive the keys to their apartments in Velje Brdo, Adžović replied that she did not like to bid on deadlines.

"Given that a tender has been announced for the execution of works on the boulevard, bearing in mind that infrastructure is equally important as the residential buildings themselves, and that a tender for the design and construction of block A1 is planned for next week, my expectation is that the construction of the very first block of Velje Brdo will begin in November this year," Adžović pointed out.

In parallel, a procedure is underway under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, which relates to the adoption of an act that will prescribe the criteria.

"Because we want both processes, both the allocation and the construction, to follow each other and that by the time we start building the first building of the first block, we already have people who will be the owners of those apartments. So, as the Prime Minister himself said, this year people will become the owners of those apartments and that is the essence," said Adžović.

Speaking about other priority infrastructure projects that fall under the purview of the Ministry of Public Works, Adžović said that the capital budget for this year includes over 300 projects.

"Everyone has equal priority and it would be really ungrateful to separate one from the other. What I hope is clear to the public is that the projects are being implemented," said Adžović.

Commenting on some delays in large state projects, and the resulting increase in construction costs, Adžović stated that it is precisely through professional, responsible and efficient work, which is based on expertise and knowledge, that they deliver results.

"Of course, whatever you set out to implement in terms of construction, reconstruction and adaptation, there are always challenges. We are very aware of this at the Ministry of Public Works. Not only are we aware of it, but we have experience with all of this. What we are trying to do is predict what could slow down the dynamics of the implementation of the projects themselves and to tackle it before it happens," said Adžović.

When asked what the biggest challenges and risks are in planning and implementing infrastructure projects, Adžović replied that we should not be afraid of large projects, because a good plan, based on knowledge and expertise, leads to quick and good implementation of projects.

She warned that going public and creating public opinion that is not based on knowledge and expertise in relation to certain projects can slow down the pace of implementation.

When asked how she will measure the success of the Ministry's work at the end of this year - by the number of projects started or completed, Adžović replied that she will measure it by the number of completed projects that have improved the quality of life of citizens.

She called on citizens to have full freedom to contact the Ministry of Public Works regarding projects being implemented in their municipalities and communities, as well as regarding projects they believe should be implemented.

"I want to tell them to be sure that the Velje Brdo project will be implemented in accordance with the law and rules, primarily professional ones, with the dynamics that we have outlined," concluded Adžović.