Construction on Sveti Nikola Island in focus again, Coastal Administration says it's not about concreting

Construction on Budva's Sveti Nikola island is back in the public spotlight after the Municipal Inspection sealed off a beach facility due to a lack of required documentation. The Head of the Coastal Control Service, Srđan Radić, told Boje jutra on TV Vijesti that, according to current information, it is not a case of concreting, but of a facility that did not comply with the prescribed procedure.

"If the procedure is not followed and all necessary consents are not obtained, the contract will be terminated," says Radić.

He explains that after receiving the contract, tenants must fulfill urban planning and technical requirements, develop a conceptual design and obtain approval from the chief city architect. He points out that the dimensions of the building on Sveti Nikola are in accordance with the program for temporary buildings, but that compliance with the entire procedure is questionable.

He adds that Morsko dobro will request urgent information from the competent institutions to determine whether everything was done in accordance with the law.

"We don't care if it's a tenant or a subtenant. The responsibility lies with the contract holder and he will bear the consequences if he breaks the rules," adds Radić.

Speaking about the protection of the island of Sveti Nikola, Radić said that the reactions of institutions and the public are an indication that works that violate regulations will not be tolerated. He recalled that previous attempts at concreting were quickly stopped and removed.

At the same time, he warns that there are similar cases along the entire coast, especially when it comes to illegal structures.

Speaking about beaches, Radić says that the rule that at least 50 percent of public bathing areas must remain free is not being consistently followed everywhere, although the situation, he adds, is better than in previous years. According to him, the biggest problem occurs during the peak season when tenants expand the area with deck chairs and umbrellas due to the large number of guests.

"The rules must apply to everyone. When the inspectorate does its job, users respect the regulations much more seriously."

Radić announced more intensive joint controls by the Coastal Zone Authority and local inspections in order to more effectively sanction violations of the rules.

When it comes to Sveti Stefan and Miločer, he says that the beaches are passable, while issues related to Queen's Beach and possible restrictions require communication between the Government and the local community.

Radić also referred to the Kamenari-Lepetane ferry line, stating that in three years of management, more than 26 million euros in revenue has been generated and that the fleet is operating without major problems.

Commenting on the new investment in the Budva marina, he said that a new floating pontoon with a total of 130 berths has been installed, of which 15 are new, but he criticized the local administration's attitude towards the implementation of the project.