Investor in Bijelo Polje Aims to Restore Public Space to Its Original State
Usurped sidewalks, Photo: Euromost
The non-governmental organization “Euromost” has urged the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office to look into the alleged usurpation of state property, specifically a section of sidewalk, in the city center of Bijelo Polje. This situation has persisted for several months amid ongoing construction of a building near the city park.
In their response to “Vijesti,” the Secretariat for Inspection Affairs confirmed that an inspector was dispatched to remove the obstacles and restore the area to its prior state.
Furthermore, the NGO has also requested an investigation into the officials within the Secretariat for Inspection Affairs due to their inaction regarding the encroachment of municipal roads and sidewalks over the past few months.
photo: Euromost
“The images and videos clearly depict how the sidewalk, crucial for the residents of Bijelo Polje, has been fenced off and excavated. This poses a risk to citizens, forcing them to navigate along a street that is open to vehicular traffic,” stated the NGO.
They further allege that the investor may have illegally occupied and enclosed plot number 1129/2 KO Bijelo Polje, as indicated on the geoportal. This plot is government-owned, but the Municipality of Bijelo Polje is responsible for its management. The NGO added that they recently contacted the Municipal Police to demand immediate action for the investor to vacate the state property and sidewalks, as well as to secure the construction site in compliance with the Law on Construction of Structures. Despite this, no action has been taken, prompting them to seek the involvement of the competent urban planning inspection, in addition to the Bijelo Polje ODT.
The building developer is Hajriz Brčvak, through his company B2B.
Muzafer Badžić, Secretary of the Secretariat for Inspection Affairs, informed “Vijesti” that the assigned inspector promptly visited the site after receiving the report regarding the public area encroachment.
“During the inspection, attended by the construction site managers, it was confirmed that the investor had encroached upon part of the sidewalk. The contractor explained that the area was temporarily closed for safety reasons due to its proximity to the public area (sidewalk), necessitating precautions for pedestrian safety amid ongoing work. The inspector promptly instructed the removal of obstacles and restoration of the area. The process is still underway, and we anticipate that the affected space will be made available soon to ensure unrestricted movement for citizens,” Badžić said.
He assured that the Secretariat for Inspection Affairs would continue to monitor compliance with the issued order and keep the public updated accordingly.
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