New Wastewater Treatment Equipment Arrives in Podgorica

New equipment for the future wastewater treatment plant has arrived at the customs terminal in Podgorica, Montenegro. The municipal company Vodovod i kanalizacija confirmed that four micro-disk filters, essential for the facility planned for Botun, were successfully tested in Turkey before shipment. This equipment is a vital component of an ongoing project aimed at improving the city’s wastewater management.

According to a statement on the wastewater treatment website, the filters arrived last week at the “Zetatrans” storage facility. The testing occurred at the factory of Astim, which specializes in manufacturing wastewater treatment equipment. A video showcasing the unloading of the equipment has been made available, highlighting the significance of this development for the future plant.

Bojan Pavlovic, a representative from the project oversight department, stated, “This is just part of the equipment that has arrived in Podgorica over the past year and a half. Specifically, these four disk filters were tested last month near Istanbul, Turkey, and have now been delivered.”

The municipal company recently announced plans to submit an application for a building permit to the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and State Property. This application is crucial for the construction of the main wastewater treatment facility in Botun. A positive opinion from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the impact assessment was a prerequisite for this submission, and all necessary documentation is now ready.

Vodovod i kanalizacija emphasized the urgency of commencing construction by the end of the year to avoid losing a grant of 33 million EUR. A delay could jeopardize the overall project, which is valued at approximately 200 million EUR, as the city and state would be responsible for returning the grant funds if construction does not proceed as planned.

The company also highlighted that they have been awaiting a response from the Ministry regarding a request to relocate overhead power lines from the construction site for two years. This issue remains a significant obstacle to the project.

Project Overview and Local Concerns

The “Collection and Treatment of Wastewater in Podgorica” project is listed among Montenegro’s priority infrastructure initiatives. This list was adopted during the third session of the National Investment Commission on December 2, 2015. The project comprises eight components, including the construction of a mechanical-biological plant, a sludge treatment plant, and a primary collector system, among others.

Despite the project’s importance, residents of Botun and Zeta have voiced strong opposition, citing existing ecological issues in the area, such as the nearby solid waste landfill and red mud pools. They express that while they do not oppose the facility itself, the location should be moved from Botun. An alternative location suggested is the Ćemovsko polje, where there is ample state-owned land available for a larger and more sustainable system.

As the situation develops, local authorities will need to address community concerns while ensuring that the wastewater treatment project progresses in a timely manner. The implications of this project not only affect Podgorica’s environmental landscape but also its economic future, as timely construction is critical to securing funding and improving public health through better wastewater management.