More than 4.4 million euros has been earmarked for roof and façade reconstruction at the Nikšić Sports Centre in Montenegro next year. Nađa Tomašević, the centre’s spokesperson, said the project is among the state’s priority capital projects. The centre’s pool, meanwhile, has been closed for weeks, interrupting use and revenue.
Works await public tender
The Ministry of Public Works plans to launch a tender for the works at the beginning of next year. Construction is expected to start as soon as possible after the tender procedure ends and the most favourable bidder is chosen. The planned works also cover windows and doors, the central connecting block and the pool.
The hall roof to be renovated measures about 5,000 square metres. The building’s basic structure will not change; the works are intended to improve its energy efficiency and appearance. The roof and façade have not been replaced for around 40 years, although the hall was renovated four years ago. “It will be more attractive and modern, and energy-efficient, which matters most to us,” Tomašević said.
Pool closure interrupts use and revenue
Unfavourable hydrological conditions in the municipality of Nikšić have kept the pool shut for weeks. Low water levels in wells affect the heat pumps that warm it, and the levels must rise considerably before the pumps can operate. The centre is currently protecting its expensive equipment.
The closure has interrupted training for swimming and water polo clubs, students at the Faculty of Sport, and members of the army and police. Recreational users have also lost access. The pool previously served 220 to 250 people a day, or about 6,000 to 7,000 users a month. Approximately 90 to 100 tickets were sold monthly, and the closure has halted revenue described by the centre as significant.
A possible alternative is a water-to-air pump, but buying one would be very expensive and require substantial funding. “In the coming period, we may have to consider an alternative or a water-to-air pump,” Tomašević said. Until new, modern equipment is acquired, the pool’s operation will depend on the weather and rain.
Water restrictions have been in place for months in Nikšić’s suburban settlements. Referring to rain that extinguished summer fires, Tomašević said she hoped it would soon raise water levels enough to restart the pool’s heat pumps.
