The "Čelebić" company claims that the stadium in the Podgorica settlement of Donja Gorica was built "in accordance with valid permits" and that they are ready to relocate the canal at their own expense, due to which the demolition of the floodlights and part of the sports facility is scheduled for today.
They called on the authorities to abandon the demolition.
"We have prepared a design solution and proposed to implement it at our own expense. We would like to point out that this is a minimal intervention that involves moving the canal by about five meters in width and approximately thirty meters in length. The current planning document - PUP Podgorica - provides for sports facilities at this location as they exist today, while the former canal is not included in the same planning document," they said.
They point out that they have repeatedly, "in writing and orally, indicated that any movement of the aforementioned structures would jeopardize the stability of the stadium, lead to the loss of the license to play domestic and international matches, and completely render the implemented project meaningless." "We proposed holding a joint meeting, but so far there has been no constructive dialogue."
Deputy Mayor of Podgorica Boris Spalevic He announced a few days ago that the floodlight and part of the DG Arena stadium would be demolished, and that those who, as he said, allowed these illegal structures to be built would be held accountable.
Spalević also announced to TV Vijesti that those in authority who should have known that the sports field in the Mareze canal in the Podgorica settlement of Donja Gorica was illegally built will be held criminally liable.
"The people who issued those building permits will be prosecuted... What does it mean that the reflector and part of it are being demolished? Well, someone may use the term being demolished, someone says being removed. These are temporary structures without a permit. So, if you have something temporary, when that temporary expires, it could not even get a water permit for the canal, so there is no logic in us extending it and saying that we are extending it for you to stand there illegally," said Spalević.
The canal serves to divert water from the Mareza River to the Morača River, and came into the public spotlight during the recent floods...
The Čelebić company, however, claims that the sports complex was built in accordance with valid approvals from the competent authorities of the Capital City and revised projects.
"The complex in question has existed since 2015 and has not been a hindrance until now, but has largely contributed to the development and progress of the community. The company 'Čelebić', with the support of the Football Association of Montenegro, invested several million euros in its construction. It is one of the rare licensed sports complexes in Montenegro that meets the requirements for playing domestic and international matches, and which is used by several hundred athletes every day. At the location next to the sports complex, there used to be a canal that was devastated and filled in well before the start of construction of the complex itself. The Capital City Inspection has determined that in one part, at a length of about 30 meters, the retaining wall extends into the former route of that canal, as well as that in that zone there are the foot of the reflector column and the foot of the western stand with a capacity of 3.000 spectators."
They pointed out that in accordance with the current planning documents, "these temporary facilities can be legalized, and also under the Law on Legalization."
"As a socially responsible company, the Čelebić company has invested several million in the development of sports infrastructure for clubs in the capital and throughout Montenegro. However, this relationship between institutions may call future investments into question if there is no support from the community at the local and state levels."
They point out that the owner of the company Tomislav Celebic, is also the vice president of the Football Association of Montenegro and "from that position he actively contributes to organizational and financial support to sports associations in Montenegro".
"We believe that reason will prevail and that the area of 150 m2 will not become an obstacle to the further functioning of one of the most important sports complexes in the capital. Otherwise, if the aforementioned part of the facility is demolished, we will be forced to close the sports complex indefinitely. In cooperation with the Football Association of Montenegro, we will be forced to make a decision on the future of FK Podgorica, and therefore OFK Mladost Donja Gorica, as users of the sports complex in question," the company announced.
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