The President of the Roma Council, Mensur Šaljaj, has sent a request to the Mayor of Podgorica, Saša Mujović, to find a solution for two families from the Roma and Egyptian communities who live in those premises before the demolition of the resort in Sutomore, which is owned by the Capital City.
"I am writing to you regarding the initiative to demolish the resort in Sutomore and build a parking lot on the site of the former children's resort. Namely, two families, a total of ten members from the Roma and Egyptian communities, are currently residing in these premises. With the decision that has come into force, these families are unfortunately left homeless and are faced with the possibility of ending up on the streets of Sutomore, Bar or Podgorica.
"I agree that the aforementioned space should be developed in order to improve the tourist offer of our city and country, but at the same time I believe that it is necessary to find an adequate solution for the accommodation of these families who are forced to leave the home in which they are currently staying. I fully understand and respect the legal and legal side of this decision, but I am convinced that you, as well as the city you represent, are in solidarity and open to everyone, and that Podgorica, by its example, promotes multiethnicity, understanding and care for minority communities in Montenegro," Šaljaj stated in his address.
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He suggested that, in cooperation with the Secretariat for Social Welfare, alternative accommodation be found for these two families, at least temporarily, until they are able to resolve their housing issue independently.
"My specific proposal is that families be offered two possible solutions: to find private accommodation themselves in Sutomore or Podgorica, and for the Capital City to cover the costs of that accommodation for several months; or to allow them to use vacant apartments owned by the Capital City, if they are available," said Šaljaj.
He added that it is extremely important to provide these families with accommodation, because otherwise, as he says, there is a serious risk that they will remain on the streets.
"This would, albeit unintentionally, lead to a possible return to begging - a problem that all relevant institutions, local governments, the Roma Council and the non-governmental sector have been fighting together for years.
"In the hope that you will consider this proposal urgently, starting on the first working day of the week, I sincerely hope that you will accept one of the proposed solutions. Please understand this initiative as a friendly suggestion from someone who is at the head of the Roma community, and not as a political message from an opposition councilor," Šaljaj concluded his address to Mujović.
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