The wastewater treatment plant means less pollution of the Morača River and Lake Skadar, greater safety, a more modern system and meeting European environmental standards, the Capital announced.
They also said that they make decisions based on what is safe, legal, and beneficial for citizens.
In a statement, the local government explained why Podgorica Mayor Saša Mujović, then Minister of Energy and Mining, was against the construction of the Brskovo mine, and now advocates for the construction of a collector in Botun.
"Interpretations are being put forward in the public that attempt to present Brskovo and Botun as 'similar' environmental issues and, on that basis, problematize the different position of Mayor Prof. Dr. Saša Mujović. However, these are projects of different nature, goals and estimated consequences, which is why they cannot be viewed through the same framework. The construction of the collector in Botun and the suspension of the Brskovo mine project are not decisions of the same nature, nor can they be interpreted in the same way," the statement reads.
They point out that these are two projects with different goals and differently assessed consequences.
"When it comes to Brskovo, expert analyses have pointed to significant risks to human health and the environment, while the collector in Botun represents a systemic solution to a long-standing problem, which will reduce pollution and improve the quality of life of citizens. It is particularly important to emphasize that the Institute of Public Health explicitly stated in its opinion: 'that the state, from the aspect of health, well-being and quality of life of the population, accept the first scenario, which would focus on the protection and recultivation of the previously degraded environment, preserve the Biosphere Reserve (M&B UNESCO) of the Tara River Basin and the Biogradska Gora National Park, which excludes any option of opening a mine.' The mine implied intensive industrial exploitation in a sensitive area, with consequences that could last for generations and be reflected in the air, water, soil and overall safety of the environment. Analyses by the competent institutions for Brskovo have pointed to serious shortcomings and non-compliance of documentation with regulations, as well as risks in terms of hazardous materials and waste management, with a possible negative impact on the health of the population, biodiversity and protected areas," the Capital City added.
Based on these findings, they remind you, the project was assessed as unacceptable, and the decision to terminate the concession was made in accordance with the principle of damage prevention and protection of the public interest.
Mujović, as they said, states that there is no danger of arbitration, and that the termination of the contract with the concessionaire was made based on recommendations received from the well-known law firm Harrisons.
The collector in Botun, they point out, is the opposite example, because it is a rehabilitation and protection project.
"This is an infrastructure solution that Podgorica has been delaying for too long, and every delay is measured by pollution and endangering public health. The wastewater treatment plant means less pollution of the Morača and Skadar Lake, greater safety, a more modern system and meeting European environmental standards. At the same time, the project reduces pressure on the existing infrastructure and provides a long-term sustainable solution as a prerequisite for the further development of Podgorica. Therefore, the mine would have harmful consequences, while the collector eliminates the existing pollution problem. Brskovo was stopped because it was assessed as unacceptable from the point of view of protecting people and nature, and the collector is being built because it is necessary, useful and in the public interest. The capital will continue to pursue responsible policies and implement projects that bring measurable results: a cleaner environment, healthier living conditions and a sustainable Podgorica. Decisions are made according to what is safe, legal and beneficial for citizens," the statement reads.
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