Botun residents about the collector: Let them look for another location, solve the problem and we will enter the EU

After Podgorica Mayor Saša Mujović confirmed that the wastewater treatment plant will still be built at the planned location in Botun, locals are saying that they will not allow it.

The project, which includes the construction of a main collector, sewage sludge treatment and a waste incinerator, has raised concerns about the potential threat to the environment and the health of local residents.

Stressing that this decision, which comes after several meetings with the mayor, surprised them, the people of Botun reiterated in "Boje jutra" that the project is being implemented against their will and without proper consultations. They claim that Botun is already environmentally burdened due to the proximity of the Aluminum Plant and other pollutants, and that the new plant would further worsen the situation.

"It is clear to us that they have reached that stage, but it should also be clear to them that we have been saying from the very beginning that it is impossible to build there because of the environment in which we have been living so far, and we will not allow our environment to be further damaged and that we are bringing the survival of life in that area to a situation where our children will leave our homes and the considerable property that we have created for years tomorrow. So we want to go to Europe, but if this is the only condition for entering Europe in this way, we want to stay at home, not to Europe, but to stay, to preserve our health, because so far we have had many citizens who have lost the battle with diseases that are a direct product of the negative impact of KAP. We want to preserve the environment, to stay healthy, so even though we will not enter Europe, and not at any cost - we will enter Europe no matter what," said local resident Slavko Vukčević.

The Capital City states that it is necessary to urgently resolve the wastewater issue due to EU integration and the closure of Chapter 27 by 2028, and any change in location would, as they claim, mean a multi-year delay.

"Just let them look for another location, solve the problem and we will enter the EU," said Botun resident Jagoš Bećirović.