In Nikšić, this year will be one of construction and development, with a continued focus on supporting families, education, improving infrastructure and enhancing the standard of living, said the President of the Nikšić Municipal Assembly, Nemanja Vuković.
In an interview with MINA news agency, Vuković highlighted significant progress made by the municipality in the previous year, particularly the trust gained from citizens, which, according to him, is evident in every aspect of the town.
The local government has focused on social support and improving the quality of life for Nikšić’s citizens. “We introduced free school supplies for all primary school students, allowances for newborns, and additional support for families with three or more children,” said Vuković. These initiatives not only help families but also send a strong message that Nikšić is a city that values families and invests in its future.
Vuković emphasized that Nikšić today looks different – more beautiful, functional, and well-organized. “We reconstructed key roads such as Vojo Deretić Street and the Vidrovan-Jasenovo Polje road, and we are continuing work towards Zaborje, while the Nikšić-Kuside section is in its final stages,” Vuković added.
Key achievements also include the opening of the west stand at the stadium, completion of the Radio Television building, and the upcoming opening of the reconstructed King Nikola’s Castle, which will serve as a cultural hub for Nikšić residents.
Another significant achievement was the closure of the Mislov Do landfill, a long-standing environmental concern affecting the health of Nikšić’s citizens. “Although we’ve made great strides, we are aware that several projects are still to be realized, and we have already included them in this year’s plans,” Vuković stated.
The municipality’s budget for these projects is largely focused on social services and developmental initiatives, as they believe these are the pillars of progress and unity for the city. “Nikšić residents can be sure that everything we promise, we work towards achieving,” said Vuković, emphasizing that the focus remains on supporting families, education, and improving infrastructure and living standards.
He further explained that the budget for this year has been carefully planned to ensure the smooth functioning of all essential services, from utilities to social programs and infrastructure projects. “Since taking responsibility for managing our city, we have handled the municipal budget responsibly, knowing that every euro counts and must be spent wisely for the benefit of our citizens,” Vuković remarked.
Despite challenges, he assured that they remain committed to ambitious plans, with every project aimed at improving the quality of life in Nikšić. “Our goal is that every project, big or small, contributes to the betterment of life in Nikšić, as we believe our citizens deserve the best,” he concluded.
Vuković outlined several priorities for the upcoming period, including completing the modernization of the road network, constructing new sports fields, and improving urban areas. “We are also focused on enhancing public services, modernizing schools and kindergartens, and investing in green projects to help preserve the environment,” he said.
Plans include the reconstruction of Baja Pivljanina Street, the area between Peta Proleterska and Danilo Bojović Street, and the renovation of the basketball court at “Milija Nikčević” Primary School. Additionally, local roads will be modernized, riverbeds will be adjusted, and sports playgrounds in Župa will be improved.
In cooperation with state authorities, the municipality plans the construction of a Sports and Recreational Park with a jogging track around Trebjesa (2.5 million EUR), the building of a new kindergarten (2 million EUR), and the adaptation of the congress hall at the Dom Revolucije (2.3 million EUR).
There are also plans for the second phase of the fire-rescue building with a tower, the renovation of Hadži-Ismail Mosque, and the adaptation of the children’s dispensary at the Nikšić Health Center.
The municipality will also, in partnership with the European Union (EU), carry out a significant infrastructure project. “The second phase of the sewage system for the Rubeža-Oštrovac-Dragova Luka and Ćemenca settlements, benefiting 10,500 residents, will be funded with an EU grant,” Vuković said, noting that 70% of the required funding has already been secured with the support of the EU and the European Investment Bank.
He added that a tender for the construction work will be announced this or next month, and the project will be managed by the municipality in cooperation with “Prokonom” and the Ministry of Ecology. This infrastructure project will ensure the establishment of a fully operational wastewater treatment facility in the municipality, providing long-term protection for the Zeta and Bistrica rivers and significantly improving environmental quality, public health, and the overall quality of life.
Vuković emphasized that they will work towards a more intensive and fruitful partnership with the EU, as they share a common goal of a European future.
Regarding investments in cultural development, Vuković stressed that Nikšić, as a city of culture, has the responsibility and privilege to invest in preserving and developing its cultural heritage, while also promoting contemporary artistic creation. “Culture is what connects us, inspires us, and makes us recognizable, and we will continue investing in projects that preserve our identity while creating space for new ideas and talents,” he said.
Vuković also highlighted investments in sports development and environmental improvement. “We are aware of how these areas contribute to the quality of life in our city. We are particularly proud that our spending in these sectors has continuously grown from year to year,” he added.
When asked about measures to retain young people in Nikšić, Vuković emphasized that youth are the heart and energy of the city, and investing in them means investing in the future of Nikšić. “Our goal is to provide young people with everything they need to stay in Nikšić, feel fulfilled, and have opportunities to develop their talents and achieve their dreams,” Vuković said.
He added that they are focusing on creating modern spaces for youth, such as innovation centers, creative industries, sports facilities, and cultural venues. “We are also strengthening cooperation with the private sector to create new job opportunities for young Nikšić residents,” Vuković concluded.
“We want Nikšić to be a place where young people feel a sense of belonging, security, and inspiration to create a better future, not only for themselves but for the entire community,” he said.
