There is a major problem in Podgorica with illegal tire dumps and burning, announced today the Mayor of Podgorica, Saša Mujović.
"In order to solve and overcome the problem, we met and discussed and included those city services that can be of assistance in solving this problem - namely the Inspection Department, the Municipal Police and the Cleanliness Department. I believe that with coordinated action we can solve this problem in the foreseeable future," Mujović emphasized at today's meeting of representatives of the Capital City, local municipal services and the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development.
The Capital City of Podgorica announced that the meeting concluded that the long-standing problem of improper tire disposal in Podgorica requires an urgent and permanent solution, given the serious impact on the environment and the health of citizens.
The statement added that Mujović "expressed satisfaction with the meeting he initiated with the intention of being a joint step forward when it comes to one of the biggest problems, from the aspect of environmental protection in the city."
"During the meeting, it was pointed out that there are numerous problems when it comes to this area, from unclearly defined competencies that overlap in certain segments, through penal policy, which must be more adequately regulated, to numerous other obstacles in terms of sanctioning or even identifying perpetrators of illegal actions. However, it is important that there is a strong will and readiness, both at the local and state levels, to finally resolve the aforementioned issue," the statement reads.
The Director General of the Directorate for Ecology at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, Milan Vukadinović, said that the disposal of tires, especially in illegal landfills, represents a serious environmental challenge that leads to soil contamination, air pollution and an increased risk of fire.
"This problem has existed for a long time and as responsible individuals and institutions, we must find a permanent solution," said Vukadinović.
He added that concrete measures are expected in the coming period to find a model that would reduce and ultimately completely eliminate the occurrence of illegal tire dumps, and they concern the start of purchase, where each local government in Montenegro should provide a location for a purchase center.
"Until then, it is necessary for the Environmental Inspection and municipal services at the city level to strengthen municipal supervision and act preventively through joint actions," the statement reads.
The Capital City announced that the meeting "concluded that environmental protection is the responsibility of all of us and that only by working together can we work to preserve the city and the health of citizens, but also to create a healthy environment for future generations."
"It was agreed that communication will be intensified in the coming days in order to take steps towards establishing a more efficient system for the collection, transport and recycling of tires," the Capital City said in a statement.
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