Grievance System Implemented for Activities Related to the Mateševo-Andrijevica Highway Project
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The state-owned enterprise “Monteput” has introduced a mechanism for citizens to submit complaints and comments regarding activities related to the construction of the Mateševo-Andrijevica highway section.
As the legal entity responsible for overseeing the design and construction of this segment of the Bar-Boljare highway, they are implementing measures to prevent adverse impacts on nearby residents and other citizens potentially affected during the project’s execution.
“To foster positive relationships, ‘MONTEPUT’ doo has created a committee to monitor the ‘Complaints Mechanism.’ This allows any interested citizen to file a complaint or express concerns about activities associated with this project. This mechanism is established in accordance with the guidelines of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which supports the construction of this highway section,” the statement indicates.
The objective of the Complaints Mechanism is to safeguard the rights and interests of citizens, with its organization and operation falling under the purview of “Monteput.”
Citizens who believe that the project activities negatively affect their living conditions, local community, or environmental quality can send a letter or contact the person in charge of the Complaints Mechanism, detailing their reasons for doing so.
Complaints may involve issues related to: concerns regarding the expropriation process, compensation assessment and amounts, as well as relocation issues if a residential building is involved; increased noise, dust, and other disturbances during construction; unauthorized use of private property for construction waste disposal; damage to local roads; and difficulties accessing private properties, among others.
Other potential concerns include: risks to traditional safety and health standards due to increased construction machinery, heavy trucks with unsecured loads, speeding, etc.; adverse environmental impacts from possible violations of standards during construction by the Contractor; damage to public facilities and infrastructure in neighboring areas; inappropriate behavior from Contractor workers; inconsistency in adhering to the Stakeholder Engagement Plan; and any other matters related to the project’s implementation that may cause citizen concern.
Citizens can contact “Monteput” and/or the contractor free of charge through one of the following methods: verbally (via direct conversation or phone); in writing (by completing the Complaint Form or describing the reasons for the complaint) and submitting this to “Monteput” (via direct delivery, by mail, or by email).
The contact details are: Limited Liability Company “Monteput,” Podgorica; the Grievance Mechanism contact for the Mateševo-Andrijevica project, Milica Bijelović, grievance@monteput.me, office@monteput.me; address: Avda Međedovića 130, 81100 Podgorica; phone: +382 (20) 224 493.
Complaints can also be submitted anonymously.
“If you wish to keep your identity confidential when filing a complaint, please indicate this in your letter. ‘Monteput’ doo ensures that your name, details, and contact information will remain confidential, disclosed only to the person responsible for investigating your complaint. Should the investigation require revealing your identity, you will be informed and given the choice to proceed with your request,” the statement explains.
The handling of complaints will follow these steps:
“Notices will be displayed on bulletin boards in the municipal administrations of Kolašin and Andrijevica, as well as in Local Communities. ‘Monteput’ doo will engage with the mayors of Kolašin and Andrijevica, along with the heads of Local Offices in the areas along the Mateševo-Andrijevica section, to ensure that this information remains accessible to residents during the highway’s preparatory works and construction,” the statement concludes.
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