Residents of Smrduša and Borak in the Local Community (MZ) Trubjela, along with the communities of Cerovica and Prigradina from MZ Velimlje, located in Nikšić, shut down the main road Nikšić–Vilusi for one hour in the area of Podbožur. This action was taken due to the poor condition of the macadam road connecting Podbožur to Smrduša, Borak, Cerovica, and Velimlje. They are demanding that the local authorities pave 12 kilometers of this road.

During the blockade, lengthy queues of vehicles built up, with participants insisting that they would not relinquish their demands. The Slovenian Ambassador to Montenegro, Bernarda Gradišnik, was also caught in the traffic jam.

Despite the ambassador’s diplomatic license plates and her appeal to allow the vehicles with a baby on board to pass, the protestors did not relent, and she ended up waiting in line after thanking the citizens and briefly speaking with the press.

Also affected were the players of the “Lješkopolje” football club, who had a match scheduled for 14:00 against FC “Igalo”. They expressed concerns that they would likely miss the game, risking an official score of 3:0 against them as the hosts.

“No one from the municipality has addressed us, as if we don’t exist. It feels like we are treated as second- or third-class citizens; no one cares about our plight,” stated Momčilo Mićunović, representing the protesting locals.

He emphasized that prior to deciding to block the road, they had attempted to reach the local administration multiple times, yet received no responses to their pleas.

“Following the blockade, we ceased further contact, as they should initiate it with us. The Mayor claimed he never received any of our requests, despite us sending over eight requests detailing our issues and seeking a meeting with him. The last thing he said was that he had no knowledge of our situation. Now that we have blocked the road, he is likely aware of our concerns,” Mićunović remarked.

This marks the third time the locals have blocked the road, with plans for their next gathering set to occur in front of the Municipality building.

“Given that agricultural work is in full swing and residents are tending to their gardens and properties, we will likely conclude the blockades and regroup at the Municipality building, where we will update the public,” Mićunović added.

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