The Tenant Association of Montenegro has expressed deep concern over the alleged lack of transparency and discriminatory aspects related to the housing project on Velje Brdo.
In a statement, the Association described the project, which was initially presented as the “Montenegrin dream” for tenants, as now showing serious shortcomings in terms of accessibility to information and fairness for citizens.
The Association pointed out that the application process remains shrouded in secrecy, with no official information available to the public regarding the number of registered citizens.
According to the Association’s sources, applicants have started receiving invitations to sign contracts, under which they will soon be obligated to pay installments for apartments that have yet to be built.
“At the same time, there is no approved urban plan for the project, and the terms and guarantees for citizens taking on this financial commitment have not been clearly defined,” the statement reads.
The Association questioned whether citizens should trust paying for something so uncertain and whether they should place their trust in such government projects that lack transparency, with everything unfolding out of the public eye, especially considering the project’s value exceeds three billion EUR.
They also raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding who is sending the invitations to applicants for the Velje Brdo project. “Who is calling them – the responsible ministry or the government? Which institution should they go to sign contracts, and why is the public not being informed about this? Why does it all seem to be happening ‘under the radar’? Is this shaping up to be the biggest scam in Montenegro?” the Association questioned.
Additionally, the Association highlighted that relying solely on digital applications has excluded many citizens, particularly the elderly and socially vulnerable, who lack access to the internet or sufficient digital skills. The lack of essential information about the price per square meter, selection criteria, and payment schedules has further complicated the situation.
The Tenant Association has urged the relevant authorities to immediately publish all necessary information regarding the Velje Brdo project, involve the broader public in the decision-making process, and ensure fair and transparent conditions for all citizens.
The Association also called for the suspension of contract signing until key planning documents are approved and the project’s terms are clearly defined.
“The right to housing is a fundamental human right, and we insist that all housing projects adhere to principles of transparency, fairness, and equal opportunities for all citizens of Montenegro,” the statement concluded.
