Knežević Critiques Government Proposal on Wastewater Plant Location

Milan Knežević, the leader of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP), has publicly challenged the Montenegrin government’s proposal regarding the construction of a wastewater treatment facility in Botun. During a recent press conference, Knežević stated that the government’s document, which outlines guarantees for the residents of Botun, does not include any provisions concerning a change in the plant’s proposed location. He emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with the citizens of Botun, rather than with him or his colleague, Mihailo Asanović.

Knežević pointed out that the document appears to be a compilation of previous proposals made by government representatives, specifically mentioning that it includes various obligations but neglects the critical demand for relocating the facility. “This key request from the residents of Botun has not been addressed,” he said. He also noted that the document was prepared without the input of certain government members, and that its details were made public before the government officials themselves had the opportunity to review it.

The DNP leader called on Prime Minister Spajić to engage directly with the citizens of Botun, suggesting that if the document is approved during a government meeting, Spajić should initiate discussions aimed at calming tensions and finding a compromise. Knežević remarked, “I and Asanović are not the appropriate addresses to respond to the government’s proposal. The citizens of Botun should converse with Prime Minister Spajić.” He asserted that the Prime Minister had assured him that all 81 members of parliament and the prosecutor’s office would receive a contract with a Turkish company regarding the construction of the collector.

Moreover, Knežević highlighted a recent gathering in Botun as “the largest and most attended since 2020,” clarifying that it was organized by the citizens themselves, not by political figures. He criticized the media narrative suggesting that they had manipulated the public, stating, “We are facing a dirty media campaign that seeks to portray us as obstacles to the EU path and development.”

Asanović, the President of the Municipality of Zeta, also expressed his concerns regarding the government’s handling of hazardous waste management. He declared that the temporary storage of hazardous waste near the former KAP facility, located in close proximity to residential areas, poses a significant threat to public health. “We want to make it clear that even before the adoption of the government’s act on October 23, we had assurances that the issue of the red mud pool would be addressed,” he mentioned. Asanović criticized the government’s contradictory stance, noting that while they promised remediation, they simultaneously approved plans to store hazardous materials next to the pool.

He asserted that the government seems to be retreating from its previous intentions, as evidenced by recent modifications to the proposals presented to the residents of Botun. “You have seen that they have sent some conclusions that differ from what Mujović offered to the people of Botun last week,” Asanović concluded.

The ongoing dialogue between the government and the citizens of Botun remains crucial as both parties seek to address community concerns regarding health and environmental safety.