Grgurović: Construction will be banned in flood-prone areas in Danilovgrad, we are continuing accelerated development through major projects

The beginning of this year was marked by heavy rainfall that caused problems across Montenegro. Danilovgrad was one of the municipalities affected by flooding, and some households suffered material damage. The President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad, Aleksandar Grgurović, told Portal ETV that the Damage Assessment Commission is reviewing the submitted claims and that the municipality has allocated funds for compensation. Grgurović announced that construction will be banned in flood-prone areas and that in 2026 the municipality will continue its accelerated development through significant projects.

- Heavy rainfall at the beginning of the year caused a rapid rise in the level of the Zeta River and its overflow from the riverbed. A Crisis Response Team was formed immediately, along with operational teams that were continuously in the field providing support to those most at risk. The Damage Assessment Commission is reviewing all submitted claims, and the Municipality of Danilovgrad has allocated funds for compensation. A dedicated bank account has been opened to assist the most vulnerable, and a series of discussions has been held with the Government of Montenegro, whose representatives confirmed that assistance to the Municipality of Danilovgrad and citizens affected by the floods will also arrive from the state level - the President of the Municipality emphasized.

He announced that, through the forthcoming Spatial and Urban Plan of the Municipality of Danilovgrad, construction in flood-prone areas will be prohibited.

- When it comes to preventing similar events in the future, this was a natural disaster, and the Municipality cannot, of course, influence rainfall levels or the water level of the Zeta River. However, certain steps have been taken which, in the long term, should reduce the consequences of such events. During the period when water levels were nearly at their maximum, aerial recordings were made, and based on these, construction in flood-prone areas will be banned under the new Spatial and Urban Plan. In the period ahead, we will also work on regulating and clearing drainage channels, many of which have become largely non-functional due to irresponsible behavior by individuals - Grgurović told Portal ETV.

„Inclusiveness, transparency and open dialogue with citizens are prerequisited for every decision“

Regarding the planned concessions for quarries included in the Annual Concessions Plan proposed by the Ministry of Energy for detailed geological research and mineral resource exploitation in 2026, the Municipality of Danilovgrad maintained its earlier position and did not give its consent.

- The information included in the annual plan, specifically concerning Danilovgrad, was drawn by the Ministry from the 2014 Spatial and Urban Plan, which does not reflect the current situation, the municipality’s development vision, or the needs of our citizens. Firmly believing that inclusiveness, transparency and open dialogue with citizens are prerequisites for every good and community-beneficial decision, the Municipality of Danilovgrad organized a public forum to consult citizens and hear their opinions, since this document directly affects their lives and daily routines. Based on arguments in favor of environmental protection, the right to peaceful living, numerous water sources and infrastructure concerns, a unified position was adopted against granting concessions for all locations listed in the Annual Plan: „Sađavac II“, „Kriva Ploča – Slatina“ and „Klikovače“. This information was promptly forwarded to the Ministry of Energy - Grgurović explained.

„In 2026, the Municipality of Danilovgrad continues accelerated development through major projects“

In his interview with Portal ETV, Grgurović also discussed infrastructure plans for 2026. He recalled that before the New Year, the Municipal Assembly of Danilovgrad adopted the 2026 Budget Decision, planning a record amount of 11.2 million euros. Compared to the previous year’s budget, this represents a 9.75 percent increase, which the Mayor considers confirmation of responsible governance.

- And consequently, liquidity and financial stability resulting in concrete benefits for our citizens. The 2026 Budget provides a framework for the development of infrastructure, agriculture, sports, social services and the strengthening of institutions - he emphasized.

He added that significant effort has been invested in preparing project documentation, resulting in substantial funds being secured for Danilovgrad from the state budget. Together with municipal funds, this has created the conditions for continued accelerated development in 2026 through a series of important projects.

- We expect the complete reconstruction of Njegoševa Street and Novica Škerović Street, works on certain sections of the Danilovgrad-Čevo regional road, replacement of asbestos AC pipelines, and the financial structure has been finalized for the reconstruction of the main city street - Baja Sekulića Street, as well as Bijelog Pavla Street, which will give the narrower city center a completely new look and functionality - said the President of the Municipality.

Ambitious projects, improvement of the local road network, and the construction of parks are among the priorities for the current year.

- Our commitment to improving road infrastructure, believing it to be a prerequisite for the valorization of the resources our municipality abounds in, as well as for economic and tourism development, is confirmed by the ambitious project of constructing an entirely new road - Nova 1, within the Detailed Urbanistic Plan Glava Zete, which will begin this year. We will continue improving the local road network by paving dozens of kilometers of roads, determining priorities, as has been the case so far, through direct communication with residents and their representatives in local community councils. The construction of several parks is planned, as well as addressing important issues such as cemetery expansion - Grgurović stated.

In 2026, he announced, the preparation of the new Spatial and Urban Plan of the Municipality of Danilovgrad is also expected.

- This strategic document will define the long-term development, planning and use of our city’s space. It will cover land use designation, transport and municipal infrastructure, as well as environmental protection. Given the importance of this document, all municipal capacities will be directed toward its comprehensive and high-quality preparation - he said.

„Danilovgrad - a destination not just visited in passing, but chosen for the authentic experience it offers“

- In addition to traditional events that record increasing attendance year after year, the recent period has been marked by new and highly significant programs such as the International Poets’ Festival and the International Children’s Theatre Festival, further enriching the cultural calendar and attracting numerous visitors not only from Montenegro but also from the region. New events are planned for this year as well - in April, Danilovgrad will host the Riverside 21k Half Marathon, an event that will combine sports, tourism and the promotion of our area’s natural beauty, further strengthening the municipality’s visibility on the Montenegrin and regional events map - Grgurović assessed.

Grgurović also reflected on the municipality’s cultural offerings. He pointed out that in recent years Danilovgrad has secured a significant place on Montenegro’s cultural and tourism map, thanks to a rich and recognizable program combining traditional and newly introduced events.

In recent years, Danilovgrad has also become increasingly recognized for the development of winemaking, as evidenced by the large number of wineries opened in the area.

- As a leadership, we are committed to further developing this segment and building Danilovgrad’s image as a wine destination. We believe this represents significant development potential that should be strategically advanced, properly presented and long-term branded - he emphasized.

Grgurović noted that great effort is invested each year to improve the municipality’s programs.

- To offer new content and best respond to the expectations and needs of visitors, as well as the local population. By combining events that celebrate culture, sports, music, gastronomy and our natural beauty, Danilovgrad clearly demonstrates its ambition to become a destination not merely visited in passing, but chosen for the authentic experience it offers - concluded the President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad.