300 residents of Strpce hold protest against the Matkos Group

Approximately three hundred Strpce residents gathered yesterday near the Obe Reke site to once again protest against the continuation of the construction of hydroelectric power plants by the Matkos group, but also express dissatisfaction with the allegations that this company has all the necessary construction permits.

In a recent interview for KoSSev, the executive director of the Matkos Group, Labinot Vitija denied the accusations of the Strpce locals that the company is endangering the environment, drinking supply, violating the laws, but also that they do not have all the necessary permits. Vitija said that these accusations were made by individuals „who do not want the best for the development and well-being of citizens.“

On the other hand, Strpce resident, Stojan Josimovic told KoSSev yesterday, following the protest, that Vitija’s claims are “false and one-sided.”

„It is true that he has some permits, but he never showed those permits and we never saw them,“ he added, expressing doubt in the legitimacy of these permits.

„How could someone in the ministry give any solution or consent when the works are taking place in a protected zone. The law strictly states that it is a protected zone,“ Josimovic added.

Josimovic also revealed that the advisor to the Kosovo Prime Minister and the director of the Office for Communities, Cvetko Veljkovic addressed locals yesterday, saying that the Kosovo government is standing by them and that it is also against the completion of this project.

We held a protest to show them that we will not give up, that we are here, that we want to defend and that we will defend, he said.

Josimovic announced that another protest would be held if the works continue.

So far, only one MHPP has been built in the municipality of Strpce, which is already producing electricity. The other three projects are currently on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, however, according to Vitija, construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

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