Villages Near Gornji Milanovac Still Without Water: 'It's a Pity to Keep Animals Thirsty'

Residents of Nevade village, near Gornji Milanovac, are facing extreme water shortages, with daily water availability often limited to just one hour, despite 12-hour restrictions being in place. This summer has been the worst on record for the village.

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It's a pity to keep animals thirsty.

Villagers are struggling to provide basic necessities, prioritizing their livestock. Bratislav Cvetković, a resident, noted the difficulty of keeping animals hydrated. "It's a pity to keep animals thirsty," he said, explaining that the number of sheep he keeps has decreased due to poor livestock prices and the water scarcity.

Cvetković described the current situation as the most severe yet. He explained that the municipal pump operates for a limited time due to its small capacity and high demand, providing water for only about an hour before shutting off.

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I have to stay awake at night to fill containers. If I've used up my supply and water comes, I have to get up. Can I get up with two sticks and go fill water?

Olga Cvetković, from a neighboring household raising pigs, highlighted the need to stay awake at night to fill containers whenever water becomes available. Radostiva Milenković added that the lack of water makes even basic hygiene and laundry extremely difficult, relying on small containers for washing.

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What if, for example, you don't manage to catch the moment when the water comes? Nothing, there's nothing... The reserves, if there are any, are very small... It's difficult for washing clothes, for hygiene, everything.

The municipality of Gornji Milanovac has attributed the water problems to unfavorable hydrometeorological conditions and highly irrational water consumption by residents. However, villagers dispute this, arguing that their primary concern is the welfare of their animals. The municipality did not respond to requests for comment regarding the water supply issues and the duration of the restrictions.

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In my opinion, I don't think it's justified that people use water irrationally. To spill it for some nonsense. I, and everyone here in the village, have animals. You can't leave animals to die of thirst.