Low Danube Water Levels Expose Sewage Outlet in Novi Sad; Activists Criticize Lack of Treatment Plant

Novi Sad, Serbia – Low water levels in the Danube River have revealed a stark environmental problem: a sewage outlet discharging directly into the water, which local activists have dubbed a "waterfall of feces." This situation highlights the city's long-standing issue with wastewater management.

Nina Ciganović of the environmental group Eko straža stated that residents have been waiting for a wastewater treatment plant for decades, a topic of discussion since her childhood. She described the exposed sewage outlet, located near the Monument to the Victims of the Raid and the Žeželj Bridge, as an "ecological bomb" alongside the nearby Klisa landfill.

Ciganović criticized local authorities for what she called "empty promises" regarding the treatment plant. Despite reports of significant investments in the water supply system, no functional wastewater treatment facility has been built. She emphasized that the continuous discharge of sewage into the Danube is not only a disgrace for Novi Sad but for Serbia as a whole, contributing to the country's status as a major polluter of the Danube.

Adding to the controversy, Ciganović noted that the initial project for the treatment plant was funded by the European Union, with significant design work already completed. However, the project was reportedly abandoned and handed over to Chinese partners as part of the "Clean Serbia" initiative. Activists find it "absurd" that a partially completed project was relinquished to Chinese partners, leading to further delays and unfulfilled commitments.

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Novosađani čekaju prečistač decenijama. Ja imam 30 godina, a to je tema još iz mog detinjstva.