If you want to see what it looks like when concrete replaces sand on one of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro, all you have to do is visit Galija Beach.
With these words, the councilor of the Movement for the City, Ksenija Šoljaga, described the works being carried out on the beach near Sveti Stefan.
The Vijesti editorial team was also provided with a video showing the extensive work being carried out on this hidden beach.
"In the midst of preparations for the tourist season, unscrupulous concreting and illegal construction are taking place before our eyes, ruthlessly destroying the natural wealth of our coast. Unfortunately, all this is happening with the incredible silence and passivity of the Public Enterprise 'Morsko dobro', which is obviously choosing to turn a blind eye to obvious violations of the law and the devastation of space. It is logical then to ask the question in whose interest are they acting, if not in the interest of citizens and the protection of our coast? Such examples are not only an attack on the natural resources of Montenegro, but also a direct blow to tourism and the economy. Concrete instead of sand, illegal construction instead of planned development, is this the vision of the competent institutions?
We call on all those responsible to react immediately, to stop this shameless devastation and finally put the interests of the citizens of Budva and Montenegro ahead of privileged individuals. The coast is no one's private property, it belongs to all of us!", said Šoljaga.
The "Sveti Stefan" Local Community also sent a protest, calling on the authorities to respond urgently.
Local resident and civic activist Blažo Kažanegra pointed out that Galija no longer exists.
"Every piece of concrete is the same in every country, here, in China or in Dubai. On the other hand, every piece of coastline is unique in every country. We easily give up what is unique for the sake of concrete. In the end, we will realize that tourists don't come here for the concrete, and that concrete won't be edible," said Kažanegra.
On the other hand, the tenant, the Podgorica-based company "Beach", claims that it has all the necessary approvals, a certified investment project and permits for beach development, as well as a duly submitted construction application to the Ministry of Spatial Planning.
The Public Company for Coastal Zone Management sent inspectors to the site to determine whether the works are being carried out according to the project.
In March, a hillside collapsed and several large boulders destroyed the restaurant and beach bar, prompting the tenant to seek remediation of the grounds.
Bonus video:
