The Movement for Podgorica has expressed certain reservations regarding the Velje Brdo project from the beginning, said the councilor of this movement, Miloš Krstović, noting that they will monitor its implementation and become more actively involved in the process.
“As for the Velje Brdo project, we stand somewhere as it has been presented and as it has been done by the Government. However, the reservations expressed by Mr. Nišavić are not something that goes in the direction of the realization of the project itself,” said Krstović.
Miloš Krstović, photo: RTV PG
He emphasized that the local government must have a clearer housing policy, reminding that there were previously projects that were not completed.
“We as councilors need to adopt a stricter housing policy. We had a social housing project proposed back then by Mr. Vešović, so we have several projects in the field of housing policy, but neither one nor the other have been brought to completion,” said Krstović.
According to him, special attention needs to be paid to the impact of the project on the water resources of Podgorica.
“We will monitor the realization of Velje Brdo. For now, we express reservations regarding the jeopardization of water supply from the Mareza springs, as well as the very sources of water that are also under great threat,” emphasized Krstović.
He stated that the Movement for Podgorica will have a more active role in monitoring the project in the upcoming period.
“We will take a more active role regarding this project and we will follow it to the end, as we believe it is a matter of great interest to the citizens of Podgorica,” concluded Krstović.
Luka Krstović, photo: RTV PG
The councilor of the Democratic Montenegro, Luka Krstović, said that he supports the development of infrastructure and the realization of important projects, but that all potential risks must be considered regarding the Velje Brdo project, especially concerning the protection of the Mareza springs.
“I am a supporter and advocate of infrastructure construction and I believe there are a large number of projects being implemented at the state level. However, when it comes specifically to the Velje Brdo project, there are certain things that raise questions, one of which is the Mareza spring,” said Krstović.
He believes that before any concrete steps are taken, detailed and expert analyses must be conducted.
“I advocate for a fundamental analysis to be done, considering that the Mareza spring supplies almost all of Podgorica. Any mistakes regarding that component would be difficult to resolve properly in a short period, and the consequences would also be financially very demanding,” noted Krstović.
As he pointed out, there is no need to rush with such projects.
“I believe we should not rush, but rather conduct analyses very professionally when it comes to groundwater,” said Krstović.
Speaking about the announced housing component of the Velje Brdo project, Krstović assessed that there are open questions regarding its sustainability.
“The Velje Brdo project has been announced as a housing project where the prices of apartments would be very favorable, but market-wise, that is not sustainable. We will see in what format the executive authority plans to realize at least that first component,” he said.
Krstović also pointed out the broader demographic problem that Montenegro is facing.
“I think we have a pronounced demographic problem and that the central part of the country will have the outlines of settlement from other parts of Montenegro, especially regarding the outflow of population from the north,” he added.
He stated that an appropriate measure must be found for such a large project.
“I emphasize that a huge complex is envisioned and that we must have a measure and rationally discuss this topic. If we talk about the complete construction move, it is certain that it can have a negative impact on the natural environment in the immediate vicinity,” said Krstović.
He added that the initial steps of the project realization must also be considered.
“We should also take into account the initial moves, i.e., the construction of several buildings. All of this must be carefully analyzed to find the best solution,” said Krstović.
When it comes to social housing policy in Podgorica, he believes there are locations that would have a lesser impact on nature.
“When we talk about social housing policy, I think there are better locations in Podgorica that would have a lesser negative effect, primarily on the natural environment,” concluded Krstović.
Krstović: Projects of public interest must be a priority, dialogue with citizens leads to the best solutions
Reflecting on the project of constructing the second part of the highway section, from Mateševo to Andrijevica, Miloš Krstović said that he supports projects that represent the public interest of citizens, emphasizing that infrastructural development must be one of the priorities.
He emphasized that the Movement for Podgorica is always focused on projects that have a broader social significance.
“We support such projects and we are always oriented towards projects that represent the public interest of citizens,” said Krstović.
According to him, special attention should also be paid to the development of road infrastructure in Podgorica.
“I believe it is very important to turn to the Smokovac–Tološi section. It is precisely on such projects that a healthy policy should be built in Montenegro,” said Krstović.
He emphasized that an open conversation with the local community is essential for the successful realization of important projects.
“It is very important to deal with the public interest of citizens. When you conduct a healthy dialogue with the local community, you can reach a common solution and clearly see what the real public interest is,” concluded Krstović.
Krstović: The European Union has a chance, but must offer a different political model
Luka Krstović assessed that the European Union has recognized the challenges it faces, but also the potential opportunity to attract part of the electorate that traditionally gravitates towards the Democratic Party of Socialists through a quality political product.
“I think that the European Union has realized that the problems it faces carry a great risk, but also a great opportunity. If they succeed in creating a quality political product, they can reach voters who gravitate towards the DPS,” said Krstović.
He noted that the European Union and DPS will at some point be political competitors, but that the previous cooperation of these structures should not be overlooked.
“They will be competitors at some point in the elections, but we should not forget that they have always cooperated and are willing to continue to cooperate,” said Krstović.
According to him, the announcement of the election of a leader and the engagement of a non-partisan figure represents an attempt to expand political influence.
“They announced that they will soon elect a leader who would be a non-partisan figure and want to enter a very demanding electoral contest through a broader political engagement,” added Krstović.
However, he believes that the European Union has missed opportunities to make a clearer distance from previous policies.
“On the other hand, it seems to me that the European Union has missed many chances to distance itself from the policies of the DPS, but also from the policies of some of their integral components that have caused serious damage to the state in the previous period,” said Krstović.
He concluded that for now he does not see the potential of that political structure to achieve a significant electoral result.
“It does not seem to me that this structure can come close to making a good result, but time will show in which direction their political project will develop,” concluded Krstović.
Comments