Opposition Criticizes Novi Sad's 'Novi Sad on Water' Project and Monument Plan

Opposition councilors in Novi Sad, Serbia, have voiced strong criticism against the city authorities' proposed "Novi Sad on Water" project and the intention to erect a monument commemorating the 16 victims of a building canopy collapse.

Miran Pogačar, a councilor from the Civic Movement Bravo, labeled the "Novi Sad on Water" project as an example of corruption, alleging it is a rigged deal favoring a private company at the expense of public interest. He pointed out that the plan involves constructing buildings up to 14 stories high, replacing intended sports and recreational areas. Pogačar estimates the private investor stands to gain 400 million euros from the project, which he believes will also endanger flood-protected zones.

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The 'Novi Sad on Water' project is an example of corruption, a rigged deal that neglects public interest and plans the construction of buildings up to 14 stories high instead of sports and recreational areas.

Novi Sad Mayor Žarko Mićin rejected these criticisms, stating that "Novi Sad on Water" will be a significant construction project where the investor will cede over two hectares of green space for a public park complex. However, opposition remains.

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This monument should be erected by those who have good intentions and by the new government and people who will create the best possible implementation and solution with the citizens.

Veljko Krstonošić, a Democratic Party councilor, stated that the opposition is against the city government erecting a monument to the victims of the canopy collapse. He argued that those responsible, directly or indirectly, for the tragic event should not be the ones to erect a memorial. Krstonošić suggested that a new government, composed of individuals with good intentions, should undertake the monument's construction in collaboration with citizens.

Furthermore, Krstonošić criticized the city's budget rebalance, which increases the budget from 48 to over 55 billion dinars. He described the nearly nine billion dinars in unspent funds from the previous year as a sign of poor management, stemming from negligence and ignorance rather than savings, indicating a disregard for the basic needs of Novi Sad's citizens.

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We have nine billion dinars in unspent funds from the previous year. This is not a result of savings, but of their negligence, ignorance, and failure to consider the basic needs of Novi Sad's citizens.