The Preokret parliamentary movement has put forth an initiative to the Capital City Assembly, advocating for an amendment to the Statute that would prevent the privatization of the Podgorica-based organization, “Vodovod i kanalizacija”.

During a press conference, councilor Srđan Perić stated that water is a fundamental human right, not a commodity.

“Our primary motivation is the protection of the right to water. We are thankful to those who have addressed this issue in the past. The right to water is crucial for life, and everything related to its exploitation must be safeguarded. We have initiated a request to ban the privatization of ‘Vodovod’… With any potential or actual privatization, water would become a product controlled by corporations focused solely on profit, risking access for the most vulnerable populations. Our proposal serves as an institutional tool to protect this vital resource within the purview of the Capital City,” Perić explained.

He emphasized that the right to water should be detailed in a resolution to be adopted by the Capital City Assembly. Perić remarked that narratives often suggest that “Water Supply and Sewerage” is an unsustainable enterprise.

“The excessive number of staff and their absenteeism… All indications show that local government is unable to address this issue… We are proposing a firm ban on the privatization of ‘Vodovod’. This approach helps us conserve our shared resources…”

Perić added that if the government declines their initiative, they will “seek a referendum to safeguard this resource for future generations.”

Krnić: Citizens owe Vodovod over 4 million euros

Preokret councilor Mirza Krnić disclosed that individuals and businesses owe 4.25 million euros to Vodovod.

He noted that losses within the water supply network are at 54 percent.

“By the end of last year, the debt from citizens and companies totaled 3.7 million euros, suggesting that the recent price hikes failed to produce satisfactory results, even from a narrow economic viewpoint.”

Krnić asserted that according to “Vodovod”‘s financial statements, the company experienced a loss of 878,885 euros last year.

“This year, the budget plans to allocate 700,000 euros from the Capital City Budget to this company. All these factors could potentially foster the narrative that privatization is necessary. Instead, solutions should focus on protecting the resources available to this company, alongside effective management, innovation, and accountability, supported by a suitable personnel policy. Preokret will present concrete proposals in this regard in the near future.”

News