The Municipality of Bar and Monteput are set to enhance subsidies for residents of Crmnica, Ĺ estani and Ostros who travel through the Sozina Tunnel. This decision follows discussions between municipal officials and Monteput representatives about addressing local protests and exploring ways to accommodate demands for tunnel usage subsidies.
Monteput plans to propose to the Government of Montenegro an increase in the subsidy amount to 100,000 EUR for these residents, as outlined in the government’s conclusions. Concurrently, the Municipality of Bar will revise its budget decision to double its subsidy allocation from 50,000 EUR to 100,000 EUR, thereby raising the total annual subsidy fund to 200,000 EUR.
The meeting highlighted the effective collaboration with the Crmnica Local Community Council, which previously established criteria for subsidy eligibility. There was also support for considering an expansion of these criteria for subsidized tunnel passage, provided it complies with legal regulations.
Both Monteput and the Municipality of Bar are committed to working with the Crmnica Local Community Council to improve living conditions in rural areas by upgrading local infrastructure and fostering a supportive environment for youth and families. The criteria for subsidies will be set by local community councils, which will also oversee their allocation.
The goal is to resolve the current situation promptly and sustainably to benefit both residents and the tourism industry.
The meeting was attended by Milan Ljiljanić, Executive Director of Monteput; Aida Čekić, Secretary; Miroslav Mašić, Acting Director General of the Directorate for State Roads at the Ministry of Transport; Dušan Raičević, President of the Municipality of Bar; Tanja Spičanović, Vice President; and Svetlana Gažević, Secretary of the Secretariat for Local Self-Government of the Municipality of Bar.