Urgent Call for Residents as Tensions Rise Over Waste Plant Plans

Milan Knežević, the leader of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP), has urged all residents of Zeta to immediately head to Botun. His announcement comes as local police have halted traffic for heavy vehicles, signaling a potential intervention concerning the community of Botun. Knežević emphasized the necessity for Zeta residents to protect their interests, stating, “Whoever is from Zeta must be in Botun. Let us defend Zeta—no pasaran!”

This call to action follows recent developments regarding the construction of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (PPOV) in the area. Authorities announced that construction would commence next week, prompting the inspection authority to order Botun residents to remove a tent they erected near the industrial zone of the Aluminum Plant (KAP) earlier this month. In response, the residents moved the tent into the KAP industrial area and erected two additional ones.

Upcoming Referendum on Wastewater Treatment Plant

A local referendum is scheduled for December 14, 2023, allowing 12,747 citizens the opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed plant’s construction. The decision for this referendum was unanimously approved by the Local Assembly of Zeta in early October, reflecting community concerns about the environmental and social implications of the project.

According to the Law on Local Self-Government, a municipal referendum can be called for the prior expression of citizens’ views regarding specific local governance issues. This process is designed to ensure that community members have a direct say in matters that affect their lives and environment.

As tensions mount in the region, the outcome of the referendum could significantly influence the future of the proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant and the community’s relationship with local authorities. The unfolding situation highlights the ongoing struggle between development initiatives and community rights, a debate that resonates across various regions facing similar circumstances.

Residents of Zeta are now at a crossroads, with the upcoming referendum presenting a crucial opportunity to assert their opinions and influence decisions that will shape their community’s future.