Lutovac: Berane is no longer a city talked about through problems

Berane is no longer a place that is talked about through problems, but through potential, while the north of Montenegro is changing and entering a new development phase, said the President of the Municipality of Berane, Đole Lutovac.

At the ceremonial session of the Berane Municipal Assembly on the occasion of the celebration of the Municipality Day, he said that infrastructure projects, increasing interest from investors, and new development opportunities open up prospects for further progress in this region.

Lutovac reminded that Berane is a city of rich history, strong people and great ideas, reports PR Center.

"This region has always known how to respond to the challenges of the times with dignity, courage and with the faith that after difficult days come better days. Today, perhaps more than ever, we have reason to believe in the future. We are witnesses that the north of Montenegro is changing. The construction of a highway, the improvement of road infrastructure, potential opportunities for the development of air traffic, as well as the growing interest of investors, open up new development prospects for Berane," Lutovac pointed out.

He added that today people talk about Berane in a different way.

"Our municipality is no longer a place that is talked about through problems, but through potential. From the day we took over responsibility for running the city, we had a clear goal, to restore the people of Berane's faith in development. That is why we worked diligently, responsibly and in a planned manner, preparing projects that will mark the coming decades," said Lutovac.

According to him, the implementation of projects worth a total of 53,5 million euros has been secured, announcing that the implementation of several capital investments will begin during this and next year.

"The implementation of the extension of the bypass - the second and third phases worth around 11 million euros, the construction of a city market worth five million euros, the reconstruction of several road routes worth more than ten million euros, the digitalization of the water supply system and the reconstruction of the water supply network worth 7,5 million euros, the construction of a new kindergarten worth more than five million euros, as well as the construction of a new bridge on the Lim worth around four million euros. There are also numerous other projects in the field of environmental protection and the improvement of sports and communal infrastructure," Lutovac said.

As he said, these are projects that will improve the quality of life of citizens.

Lutovac emphasized that Berane received the greatest support from the state's capital budget.

"I am particularly pleased that the Municipality of Berane, thanks to the support of the Government and well-prepared projects, is the municipality that received the highest support from the capital budget of our state. With responsible and rational management, last year alone we returned two million euros of debt to the state from the previous period. This confirms that work, responsibility and a clear vision are recognized," said Lutovac.

Speaking about the future, Lutovac pointed out that Berane still faces numerous challenges, especially in the areas of employment and economic development.

"The need for new jobs and strengthening the economy are issues that we must address with special attention. But for the first time in many years, we have reason to believe that our children will be able to build their future right here," said Lutovac.

He added that Berane possesses values ​​that represent the basis for future development.

"Berane has what cannot be bought - hardworking people, natural resources, a rich tradition and a geographical position that will become one of our greatest development potentials in the years ahead," said Lutovac.

He said that the current generation has a responsibility to lay the foundations for the future development of Berane.

"Our generation has the privilege, but also the responsibility, to lay the foundations of a new Berane – a Berane that will be developed, connected, open to investment and a desirable place to live. I am sure that the best time for our city is yet to come. Happy Municipality Day," said Lutovac.

The President of the Berane Municipal Assembly, Vida Ivanović, opened the ceremonial session of the Berane Municipal Assembly on the occasion of the Municipality Day, saying that this date represents an opportunity to pay tribute to the history, people and values ​​that have shaped Berane.

Speaking about the work of the local parliament, Ivanovic pointed out that the Assembly has had a year of intensive work behind it.

"During the past period, we have held sessions almost every month, considered a large number of agenda items and made decisions that have direct significance for the development of Berane and the quality of life of our citizens," said Ivanovic.

She added that every decision made was aimed at the development of the city.

"None of the decisions was an end in itself, but each represented part of a joint effort to make our city more organized, more developed and more promising. I am especially proud that the Berane Municipal Assembly has been recognized as one of the most active local assemblies in Montenegro," emphasized Ivanović.

Speaking about international activities, Ivanovic stated that she represented Berane at numerous gatherings abroad.

"As the President of the Berane Municipal Assembly, I had the honor of representing our Assembly and our city at the invitation of the organizers of numerous international conferences, forums and gatherings before representatives of local and state authorities, the European Union and international organizations. The voice of the Berane Municipal Assembly was heard in Brussels, Paris, Istanbul, Bucharest and Tyrol, where we had the opportunity to present our city as an example of good practice, establish new partnerships, exchange experiences and cooperation," said Ivanovic.

As she added, Berane's parliamentary delegations represented the city and the entire region.

Speaking about the work of the local parliament, Ivanovic emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual respect.

She pointed out that the sessions were marked by reasoned debate and a dignified atmosphere.

"Our sessions were marked by dialogue, reasoned debate, mutual respect and the dignity that befits the highest representative house of citizens. At our sessions, there were no insults, personal disqualifications or words that would tarnish the reputation of this institution. There were different views, polemics and discussions, but always with the awareness that we are connected by the same goal - the good of our citizens," said Ivanovic.

She congratulated all citizens of Berane on the Day of the Municipality, saying that they will continue to build a city of equal opportunities, dialogue, development and friendship.

The President of the Jury for the "July 21st" Award, Marko Radojević, announced that the highest municipal award for this year was awarded to Milija Babović, emphasizing that it was an award for an exceptional contribution to the development of Berane.

Explaining the decision, Radojević stated that Babović was born in Berane, where he took his first business steps, and that he now lives and works in Belgrade. He pointed out that he has built a successful business system over more than four decades, but that he has not severed ties with his hometown.

"Although he has lived and worked outside his homeland for decades, he has not stopped helping the city he came from. He has contributed to citizens, institutions, sports teams, educational institutions and religious communities whenever necessary," said Radojević.

As he stated, Babović has supported the Berane Football Club for years, was a donor to the construction of the Temple of Saint Simeon the Myrrh-Bearer, the "Džak for a Student" campaign, and numerous humanitarian activities.

"The jury assessed that with his professional successes, humane actions, support for the development of Berane and affirmation of the city beyond its borders, he deserved to be awarded the '21st July' award as the highest municipal recognition," said Radojević.

The winner of the "21st July" award, Milija Babović, said that he sees the award as a great honor, but also an obligation to continue to proudly carry the name of his city.

"You have made me a privileged man, placing me among the select few who have received this precious recognition so far. I see it as a great honor, but also an obligation to continue to proudly carry the name of my city, wherever I am and whatever I do," said Babović.

Speaking about his connection to his hometown, he emphasized that leaving Berane did not mean ceasing his affiliation with that area.

"I left Berane back in 1985, but Berane has not left me and never will. I am made up of memories and experiences that this city has given me with love. I carry it in my heart, in my memories and in the values ​​that I represent and which guide me in my work," said Babović.

The Berane Municipal Assembly has decided to award the title of Honorary Citizen of the Municipality of Berane to academician, Professor Milovan Bojić, and in explaining the decision, the President of the Assembly, Vida Ivanović, highlighted his exceptional contribution to medicine, science and humanitarian work.

"Academician Professor Milovan Bojić belongs to the galaxy of the most distinguished doctors and scientific creators of our time. As a top doctor, university professor, scientist and academic, he has dedicated his life for decades to treating people, developing medicine, educating young doctors and improving the healthcare system," said Ivanović.

She stated that Bojić, after studying at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, where he graduated, received his master's degree, specialized and doctorate, built a significant career in the field of cardiology and cardiovascular medicine.

"His expertise is recognized far beyond the borders of the region, and his works, lectures, and professional engagement rank him among the most significant names in modern medicine," Ivanovic emphasized.

She particularly emphasized his connection to this region and his relationship with the people.

"The special value of his life path is the fact that he never forgot his roots. The Vasojevićs remained a permanent part of his identity, and with his actions towards the citizens of Berane in their most difficult moments in life, he showed that the greatness of a man is not only in his achievements, but also in how faithful he remains to the place he came from," said Ivanović.

As she added, the recognition is an expression of gratitude for Bojić's work, knowledge, humanity and contribution to the affirmation of the values ​​inherited by Berane and Vasojevići.

"By awarding the title of honorary citizen to Academician Bojić, we confirm that Berane is a city that respects excellence, knowledge, creativity and humanity," said Ivanovic.

Bojić thanked him for the honor, emphasizing that it was especially meaningful to him that the recognition came from his hometown and the heart of Vasojević, to which he belongs.

"You have shown me a great honor and given me special pleasure by awarding me such a high recognition as an honorary citizen of the Municipality of Berane. My pleasure is all the greater because this recognition comes from here, from the hearts of the Vasojevićs, to whom I belong," said Bojić.

He emphasized his connection with Berane and the people of this region, stating that throughout his life he had a large number of colleagues, friends, and patients from Berane.

Speaking about his calling in life, Bojić emphasized that he has dedicated his entire life to treating people.

"Diseases exist in books. In life, there are only sick people. And I have dedicated my entire life to the sick. I have never monetized their illness and have always been at their service," said Bojić.

He cited the Dedinje Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases as his greatest life testimony.

"My testimony is the Dedinje Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases. I found it to be a neglected and neglected institution, and today the Government of the Republic of Serbia has declared it the National Institute for Heart and Blood Vessels, which is on par with the best and largest European institutes of its kind," said Bojić.

Speaking about the period of construction and development of the Institute, he pointed out that he encountered numerous obstacles, but that he believed in his idea.

"If you are ahead of your time, you must be prepared to pay the price. If you have faith in your idea, you must be prepared to sacrifice for it. I sacrificed myself and endured it all without hatred or revenge," said Bojić.

Bojić stated that he sees the recognition as an incentive for future work.

During the award ceremony, Academician Bojić was symbolically presented with the keys to the city, which were presented to him by the Mayor of the Municipality of Berane, Đole Lutovac, and the President of the Municipal Assembly, Vida Ivanović.

The ceremonial session on the occasion of the Berane Municipality Day was attended by the highest state officials, church dignitaries, representatives of international organizations, local governments, public and political life, businessmen, representatives of institutions and numerous guests.