The local government will insist on the continuity of the implementation of projects of interest to all citizens. Next year will certainly be a year of recovery from the negative impact of the Covid-19 virus, but it must also be a year of dynamic infrastructural and economic development. My vision for the next period is Danilovgrad as an environment of quality infrastructure, a stimulating environment for business development, a place for dignified work and life tailored to our fellow citizens from developed European countries. That is our common task, public administration, economy, citizens. I am sure that the local government will stamp such a vision with its activities, president of the Municipality of Danilovgrad, Ms Zorica Kovačević, said in an interview for the Day on the occasion of marking the Day of the Municipality.
Construction of the collector on Lanci is one of the burning topics in Danilovgrad. Citizens gathered around the initiative called “Stop collector” have clearly stated that they don’t want the plant here. Will you try to find some solution that will be acceptable to both sides?
Ms Kovačević: Apart from lay speculations, political quibbling, we recognize the sincere concern of some citizens. Precisely because of that, we approached this business in compliance with all legal procedures. As a reminder, the location of the collector was defined by the DUP of the municipality of Danilovgrad adopted in March 2014, confirmed through the DUP “Danilovgrad Center” which was adopted in 2015. Both documents went through a rigorous procedure of drafting, consulting the interested public and public hearings. Several times since then, the public has been informed about the course of the realization of the collector construction project through various materials.
Through the international procedure according to the standards of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in 2018, we signed a contract for the construction of a collector with the Greek company Karkanias. Due to the complexity of one such facility, an Environmental Assessment Study was prepared and it was approved by the Agency for Nature and Environmental Protection. The main project is being drafted, which will again have to be approved by the competent state authorities, even from the aspect of environmental impact.
While acknowledging the concerns of citizens, the Municipality of Danilovgrad expressed its readiness to finance additional mechanisms that would prevent the negative impact of collectors on the environment. We will insist on the position that the postulates and opinions of the profession must be respected, with the application of all methods of preventing unwanted influences. We will try to bring all aspects of this problem closer in direct communication, from the financial consequences of giving up the location, to the importance for preserving the environment, primarily the Zeta River. I would like to remind you that this is an investment worth several million EUR, and that it includes in the first phase the reconstruction of the existing and the construction of a new sewerage network in the city center. Therefore, it is a complex, demanding and much-needed infrastructure facility in our municipality.
Are plans afoot for the loss of jobs in companies, services and public institutions founded by the Municipality due to the rationalization?
Ms Kovačević: First of all, I would like to point out that our administration is recognized for its efficiency, especially in relations with the economy. In the coming period, we will commit to further upgrading the local administration, primarily in the areas of strengthening human resources, acquiring and applying modern knowledge and skills of management, expert and executive staff. With further simplification of procedures, use of opportunities provided by digitalization, we will remain local government tailored to the needs of citizens in the local government, as well as in companies, services and public institutions founded by the Municipality, bearing in mind that we are all a service to all citizens and economy. Therefore, rationalization is a necessity, but not at the cost of administrative abolition of jobs, but of better organization of work, more efficient and effective work in the interest of all citizens of Danilovgrad.
How will the Municipality help small and medium enterprises and hospitality sector, given the fact that employers were forced to resort to dismissals due to the crisis?
Ms Kovačević: Despite the identified problems, Danilovgrad still has an unemployment rate below the national average. The development of economic activities, primarily the creation of new jobs, significantly contributed to this. All investors had significant support from the local government, both in terms of providing the necessary permits as soon as possible, and in a stimulating business environment.
Let me remind you, Danilovgrad has adopted all the spatial planning documents, very low public utility fees, incentive subsidies for agricultural producers, and recently internationally certified business environment. Thus, our obligation is even greater to further improve the measures and services we provide to businessmen in the coming period in order to create conditions for overcoming the economic crisis caused by the epidemic as quickly as possible, and accelerated economic growth and development. Ultimately, this results in the preservation of existing and the creation of new jobs, and higher earnings of our fellow citizens.
The development of the Employment Strategy is underway, which will give this important area a strategic role, of course with the institutional participation of employers through the Economic Council and the Local Partnership for Employment. It is important to note that through regulatory reform during the year, we reduced the membership contribution of businessmen to the tourist organization, reduced administrative and utility fees, and provided significant relief for the payment of construction land equipment.
Since your party is not governing anymore, how will that impact the Municipality of Danilovgrad? What will be future cooperation with the new parliamentary majority?
Ms Kovačević: This year, as well as i all previous ones, we have witnessed intensive development support of the Government of Montenegro in the most important capital infrastructure projects (boulevard, old road, Martinići road), as well as other important issues of importance for our citizens. In addition to the Prime Minister’s Cabinet, we had high-quality cooperation with line ministries and administrations.
The municipality of Danilovgrad has long been recognized on the Montenegrin and international scene as a reliable partner. Many of our projects were supported by international institutions such as HELP, UNOPS, the EU Delegation to Montenegro, the US Embassy, the Kingdom of Norway, Bulgaria … We did not cooperate with all of them, including the Government of Montenegro, on a party basis, but on a project basis.
The Municipality of Danilovgrad, but also the citizens of Danilovgrad, expect the new Government to accept our proposals and provide the necessary support for the implementation of important projects. Many of them are already in the plans of the Government and administrative bodies for the next year. I am sure that all the proposed projects will be realized to the satisfaction of the citizens of Danilovgrad and that the continuity of the support of the Government of Montenegro to our city will continue.
