The Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić, today marked the initiation of a new kindergarten project in Bar by laying the foundation stone. This event officially commences the first phase of a project that has garnered interest from the local community and the broader public for over six years.

Alongside Spajić, the inauguration of construction was attended by Bar’s mayor Dušan Raičević, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović, Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević, and various other local government officials and council members.

As noted by Jakšić Stojanović, the expected duration for completing the first phase is 240 days, with an estimated cost of 3.2 million euros. Following this phase, construction of a second phase is planned over an area exceeding three thousand square meters, with hopes of finalizing the kindergarten within 18 months.

“We are particularly pleased that this facility will host at least eight nursery groups and 11 kindergarten groups. The conceptual design, crafted by ‘Biro 8100’ from Podgorica, uniquely blends traditional and modern elements, integrating beautifully into the surroundings,” she shared.

Additionally, local stone from Bar is intended for use in construction, and the interior hall will have the capability to open up and connect with the courtyard, which will showcase sea wave patterns.

“The plan includes a rooftop garden where children can grow vegetables and herbs. Inside the kindergarten, movable walls will allow for flexible spaces that cater to both smaller and larger groups,” the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation remarked.

She highlighted that this department of the Government of Montenegro has established a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Municipality of Bar, resulting in numerous infrastructure enhancements in local schools.

Prime Minister Spajić emphasized the significance of infrastructure in every nation, asserting that transportation, education, and healthcare are particularly critical for a city that has seen growth according to census data. He assured that they are working efficiently to expedite the project’s completion while adhering to all necessary procedures.

The Mayor of Bar, Dušan Raičević, expressed that this is an emotional moment in his term due to the circumstances surrounding it.

He conveyed his happiness and satisfaction that, after six years, they are finally addressing the past neglect faced by Bar’s youngest citizens regarding this crucial project.

“I am pleased with our diligent efforts over the past period. Although we could have expedited the process, I want to thank my colleagues who quickly helped to identify an alternative site for the kindergarten in Bar,” he stated.

According to Raičević, the latest census results show Bar’s continuous population growth, indicating that this kindergarten will only partially address spatial needs, necessitating the opening of additional kindergartens, schools, and hospitals in the future.

He expressed pride in the successful implementation of the memorandum signed with the relevant ministry, noting that this kindergarten is just one of many planned projects. Some renovations in local schools are already complete, with further improvements underway.

He also mentioned the recent announcement of a tender to develop a park area adjacent to the Gymnasium, which had been the initial site for this kindergarten.

“We anticipate a well-organized space that will help rectify the previous disruption while we responsibly proceed with repairs on identified issues. We aim to align with the needs of local communities and the preferences of parents,” he articulated.

Raičević pointed out the diminishing frequency of children walking, as they increasingly rely on parental transportation. Consequently, Bar’s road infrastructure faces added pressure, necessitating improvements in connectivity near schools.

To address this, the Municipality of Bar plans to finance the construction of three roads surrounding the new kindergarten, enhancing access to the main road and demonstrating their commitment to adapting infrastructure to cater to the needs of their youngest residents.

News