Zabjelo Residents Protest Concrete Jungle, Demand Green Spaces

Zabjelo Residents Protest Lack of Green Spaces Amidst Podgorica's Urban Expansion Podgorica, Montenegro – Residents of Zabjelo, a rapidly developing neighborhood in Podgorica, are protesting the lack of green spaces and the overwhelming presence of concrete structures. For over five years, they've voiced concerns about the city's urban planning, arguing that development prioritizes investor profits over the needs of residents. The protest, captured in a recent video, highlights the community's frustration. "They're building everything, just buildings," a Zabjelo resident stated during a public forum shown in the video, emphasizing the lack of parks and green areas. City officials, including Podgorica Mayor Saša Mujović, acknowledge the concerns. Mujović stated that while there are plans for green spaces, they are not traditional parks but rather smaller, integrated green areas. He also highlighted initiatives to halt some urban development projects to make way for parks and playgrounds. The video also features Gavrilo Vuković, Secretary for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development, who noted that a new agency is working on a detailed review of all urban plans, with a focus on Zabjelo's needs. The planned construction of a new health center and school in Zabjelo is also mentioned as a positive development. The video concludes with a sense of hope, suggesting that the new agency's work may bring about positive change and address Zabjelo's need for more green spaces.