Residents of Zbljevo and nearby villages in Pljevlja have declared their intention to block major roads and halt coal deliveries to the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant if the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG) does not address the dust problem caused by the Maljevac landfill, where ash and slag are deposited.

A group of locals spent the previous night in a village hall to draw attention to the issues caused by dust blown onto their properties by the wind.

“The rain from last night provided some relief, but we will continue our protest until this issue is resolved. Living here is unbearable. You can’t step outside your house. People are being forced to relocate. This situation has persisted for 30 years,” stated local resident Darko Knežević.

He also mentioned that no representatives from the Electric Power Company or the Thermal Power Plant have reached out to them or attempted to discuss the matter.

Residents are demanding the creation of a water mirror over the entire landfill area to minimize dust dispersion.

They have also announced plans to file charges against EPCG and the Government of Montenegro for neglecting to address the issue and jeopardizing their health.

“We have been waiting for EPCG to fulfill their promises for a long time. They assured us the landfill would be transformed into a park promenade, but that has not materialized. They said they would maintain a water surface, yet that promise remains unfulfilled. Life is impossible here. Everything is in jeopardy. We may either be evicted or have to leave our homes voluntarily. We urge them to keep the landfill submerged,” expressed local resident Slaviša Petrović.

The President of the Municipality of Pljevlja, Dario Vraneš, expressed support for the villagers living near the Thermal Power Plant, condemning the irresponsible behavior of EPCG’s leadership.

“Dust and ash have settled on surrounding villages, making it impossible for these individuals to live here,” Vraneš remarked.

He indicated that he had sent an urgent message to the Minister of Mining seeking immediate action.

“Water mirrors must be established, and this area should be consistently maintained underwater. Currently, it is not being properly managed, and with the slightest wind, dust clouds envelop the village. Life here is untenable; children cannot attend school. The local administration will arrange hotel accommodations for residents. Something must be done. Water mirrors are essential. They aren’t being maintained as needed, causing dust clouds to descend on the village at the first breeze. Therefore, assistance in the form of hotel accommodations will be offered,” stated Vraneš.

News