The lack of available grave spaces in the existing city cemetery in Berane has become a serious social problem.
When families lose their loved ones, instead of institutional support, they face closed doors, unclear procedures, and the illegal sale of graves at prices reaching and exceeding 5.000 euros. Such amounts represent an unbearable financial burden for many, but also an additional psychological burden in moments of personal and family tragedy.
The regular price of a tomb is around 2.000 euros - if there were even the possibility of buying it.
DOO Komunalno Berane confirms that there are currently no plots in their ownership in the existing city cemetery that could be offered to citizens. They say they regret the allegations of illegal sale of graves and say they will work to resolve the problem as soon as possible.
The case of Beranka, who lost her mother two years ago, proves that the city cemetery was not left outside of political influence:
"I was told that there were no vacant places. Then they suggested that I 'look in the Municipality, with certain people from the Democrats', because, supposedly, that's the only way to find something, since the cemetery 'belonged to them'. At that moment, I didn't have the strength to ask why, or how much - I just wanted to bury my mother with dignity."
The entire process, according to the interviewee of "Vijesti", is experienced as deeply humiliating.
"I paid because I had no choice. I couldn't bargain," said one Beranec resident.
The Office of the Chief City Architect of the Municipality of Berane announced an international competition for the conceptual architectural and urban design solution for the “New City Cemetery in Berane” back in July 2023. The results of the competition, whose prize fund amounted to 35.000 euros, were announced in early October of the same year, and the first-prize winning solution was signed by authors from Turkey. However, almost two years later, the project has not yet crossed the boundaries of paper.
We did not receive any official answers from the office of the chief city architect, with the explanation that "the boss is on vacation", but it was confirmed that they are aware of the problem.
As "Vijesti" unofficially learned, there is no concrete plan, defined dynamics and deadline for the start of construction of the new city cemetery, although, as they say, the topic is "discussed at the Municipality meetings". One of the reasons cited is the problem of expropriation, because heirs have appeared on one of the planned plots, which allegedly stopped the construction process. There is currently no clear answer as to why work has not begun on a part of the land where ownership is undisputed.
The authorities were unable to explain why at least some of the graves had not been preserved or secured in the meantime, in order to offer citizens a temporary and legal solution.
Thus, families are left to their own devices - to manage, negotiate, and pay "big bucks" to secure what should be a basic right in a well-ordered society.
"How many more families must go through additional suffering before the issue of a new city cemetery in Berane is finally resolved," asked an employee of the Municipality of Berane in an unofficial interview with "Vijesti".
"Vijesti" did not receive an official statement from the Municipality.
Bonus video:
