The application process for housing projects on Velje Brdo has sparked significant reactions and concerns among citizens, according to a statement from the Tenants Association of Montenegro.
“In recent days, we have received numerous calls and complaints highlighting serious issues related to this process,” the association said in the statement.
A large number of citizens have expressed concerns that their personal data could be misused, including potential use for political purposes. This has led to increased distrust in the project, its objectives, and the way personal data is being handled.
“We remind that the protection of citizens’ privacy is guaranteed by law, and it is the duty of relevant institutions to ensure this protection in a clear and transparent manner,” the statement added.
Moreover, many citizens, particularly elderly people and those from socially vulnerable groups, have pointed out the inaccessibility of online applications. “Relying solely on a digital platform excludes many potential users who lack internet access or sufficient digital skills. We believe this method of application is unfair and discriminatory toward the most vulnerable groups,” the association stated.
Additionally, interested citizens, including tenants, have been left without crucial information about key aspects of the project, such as conditions for obtaining apartments, criteria for selecting users, square meter prices, or payment schedules. This lack of information undermines public trust and raises doubts about the project’s seriousness and transparency.
The association emphasized that this issue highlights the importance of their initiative to create a national tenant registry, which would include all those in need of housing. The initiative aims to establish a database that would serve as a basis for a fair and transparent distribution of housing resources.
The association also stated that relevant institutions have ignored their calls for assistance in realizing this project. “The disregard for this initiative further fuels suspicions about the sincerity behind the Velje Brdo project and the ability of authorities to properly address the needs of the most vulnerable citizens,” they said.
The association’s messages and demands focus on transparency and information. They have called on the authorities to immediately release all relevant details about the Velje Brdo project, including criteria, conditions, and the allocation process for apartments.
“We insist on allowing applications through physical offices to ensure all citizens have an equal opportunity to participate. We also demand clear guarantees regarding the security and purpose of the collected data, with strict exclusion of any misuse for political purposes,” the statement reads.
The association has urged the authorities to join their efforts in creating the tenant registry as a key step toward a fair and transparent housing policy.
The Tenants Association of Montenegro has called on all relevant institutions to address these issues responsibly and seriously. “We expect prompt action to ensure equality, justice, and public trust in all projects related to their basic right to housing,” the statement concluded.
