Cities around the world are facing the problem of uncontrolled construction, but none are as affected as those lacking responsible, planned urbanization, stated Radomir Novaković, President of Bar, emphasizing that Bar is one such city. According to him, uncontrolled construction is overwhelming the area, while planned development is nearly nonexistent.
Once a symbol of harmony between nature and urban life, Bar, Novaković said, is now falling victim to chaotic construction driven by short-term interests, fueled by politics and money.
“Homeowners who are unwilling to sell their properties, centuries-old olive groves, and ultimately their emotions, are facing growing issues—they lose access to their homes, deprived of sunlight, views, and privacy, while high-rise buildings springing up in their neighborhoods disrupt the overall appearance and quality of life. These structures are not only aesthetically incompatible with the environment but also have a deeply negative impact on living conditions. A city that was once recognized for its harmony with nature is now transforming into a concrete jungle, a slum without clearly defined urban planning norms or responsible regulation. Many citizens feel unprotected, as construction projects that disregard basic urban guidelines jeopardize their daily lives. Meanwhile, responsible authorities are turning a blind eye to illegal and uncontrolled projects, fighting only for the favor of investors,” Novaković said in a media statement.
In his view, every investment should focus on improving the quality of life, preserving the environment, and aligning with the real needs of the community.
“A city is not just a collection of concrete buildings; it is a place where people live, work, create, and return to with joy. At this moment, Bar has become an example of unconscious and poor urban planning, to the detriment of us, the people of Bar. Construction that does not follow basic norms, that does not address utilities and traffic infrastructure, that does not preserve green spaces, and that does not guarantee adequate living conditions for its citizens, is a direct path to destruction,” Novaković explained.
He pointed out that investments, which should serve the public interest, have sometimes become just a way to generate profit at the expense of the residents, without regard for long-term consequences.
“This kind of city management, where profit takes precedence over the needs of the community, will strip Bar of its identity and leave its residents without security and a good quality of life. It’s time to stop this urban chaos and restore Bar to a city where the beauty of nature and the environment is aligned with development,” Novaković concluded.
