Regional Landfill 'Kalenić' Completed After Two Decades, Enters Trial Operation
Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The regional landfill 'Kalenić' near Ub, Serbia, has been completed after two decades and is now in trial operation, with full functionality expected by summer.
- The project, involving 15 municipalities, faced stagnation for years but saw significant work begin in 2023 with international financial support.
- Serbia's Ministry of Environmental Protection is also funding waste management projects in 17 local self-governments with 350 million dinars to improve infrastructure like recycling centers and specialized vehicles.
After a twenty-year journey from conception to completion, the regional landfill 'Kalenić' near Ub is finally operational, marking a significant milestone for waste management in Serbia. As reported by N1 Serbia, the facility is currently in trial operation, with full capacity expected by summer. This project, which encompasses 15 municipalities including Valjevo, has overcome years of stagnation, finally gaining momentum with serious work commencing in 2023, bolstered by support from international financial institutions.
The project, which includes 15 municipalities including Valjevo, has long stagnated despite preparations and investments by local self-governments.
The completion of 'Kalenić' is more than just the opening of a landfill; it represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to waste management in Serbia. The facility's annual capacity of approximately 165,000 tons of waste addresses a long-standing challenge for the involved municipalities. The government's concurrent investment of 350 million dinars in waste management projects across 17 local self-governments further signals a nationwide commitment to upgrading infrastructure, including recycling centers and waste treatment facilities.
More serious work began only in 2023, with the support of international financial institutions.
Minister of Environmental Protection Sara Pavkov emphasized the importance of these projects in moving towards a more efficient system. This aligns with Serbia's broader goals of environmental protection and alignment with European standards. The focus on improving communal infrastructure, from recycling capabilities to specialized collection vehicles, indicates a comprehensive strategy rather than a piecemeal approach.
The capacity of the landfill is about 165,000 tons of waste per year, and full operability is expected within the next year.
From a Serbian perspective, the 'Kalenić' project embodies perseverance and the potential for regional cooperation to solve pressing environmental issues. The long delay highlights the complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects, but its eventual completion, with international backing, offers a model for future endeavors. This development is particularly relevant as Serbia continues its path towards EU integration, where robust environmental management is a key requirement. The investment in modern waste management infrastructure is not just about compliance; it's about improving the quality of life for citizens and protecting the natural environment for future generations.
These projects represent an important step towards a sustainable and more efficient waste management system in Serbia.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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