Drama on Bojana: Owners locked themselves in their houses, one threatened to set himself on fire

A real drama unfolded today on the Bojana River - the demolition of two houses, which was planned for today, was postponed because the owners locked themselves inside, refusing to leave the buildings while one of them threatened to set itself on fire, "Vijesti" has learned.

A video clip in the possession of "Vijesti" shows a man on the terrace of a house on the river, carrying a canister with him, threatening to set himself on fire, after which the workers of the company engaged in the removal postponed the action until further notice.

This was confirmed to "Vijesti" by the Secretary for Communal Supervision and Inspection Affairs, Amir Mehmeti.

"In the continuation of the action, in accordance with the laws, we will seek assistance from the police and other institutions because the laws apply to everyone," said Mehmeti.

His department previously issued 11 final decisions on the removal of illegally built buildings and houses on Bojana and Ada.

The action began on April 21st, when two platforms were removed, and continued today with the demolition of three of the planned five houses.

"For today, in cooperation with the JP Morsko dobro, the removal of five more illegal structures is planned in continuation of the action that began in April and was postponed for administrative reasons. After the conditions for continuing the removal were met, we began the execution according to final decisions, all in accordance with applicable laws and procedures. We note that these procedures have been going on for years and that all parties have been given the opportunity to voluntarily remove irregularities, but unfortunately some have not done so all this time. We must emphasize that the law must be respected and that it applies to everyone equally, and that our body, as an executive, must act in accordance with its powers," said Mehmeti.

He stated that it would have been better if the owners had removed the objects themselves, as most did.

"Unfortunately, some did not, and today we have to do it," said Mehemti.

Illegal structures from the river banks are being removed by a company hired by the Public Company Morsko dobro through a tender procedure.

According to unofficial information, there are currently close to 800 buildings built on the banks of the Bojana and Ada rivers.