Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development Damjan Culafic said that the Ulcinj Saltworks, like many other resources in Montenegro, has long been neglected.

Speaking at a meeting of Parliament’s Green Parliamentary Group on “Ulcinj Saltworks – challenges, opportunities and development prospects in the context of EU integration,” he noted that bankruptcy proceedings were launched in 2004, but that the state, through the protector of property and legal interests, took almost no concrete action for nearly two decades.

Culafic said this is highly indicative and warrants further analysis and accountability.

“The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development has taken concrete steps: appointing a temporary manager through National Parks and proposing, within the capital budget, a €510,000 project to rehabilitate eight kilometres of embankments,” Culafic said.

He added that, according to the Ministry of Public Works, a call for contractors is expected by the end of April or in May, allowing construction to begin during the summer months.

According to Culafic, efforts are also underway to prepare project applications for European funds, with the aim of investing around €16 million in the development of the Ulcinj Saltworks over the next five years.