Heavy machinery began preparing the ground near the „Jovan Cvijic“ Elementary School in Zubin Potok this morning for the construction of a police station. Some locals objected, announcing a larger protest. The Kosovo Police confirmed that a police station is being built at this location, adding that this is a decision from 2018 and that they have now received approval to start the works. Locals warn of the absence of a public discussion on the issue.
Early this morning, heavy machinery prepared the terrain in the immediate vicinity of the only elementary school in the town.
Although the police station was located in the dilapidated premises of a private house in previous years, the locals we spoke to this morning believe that the chosen site is inappropriate and that another space for the construction of this facility needs to be found.
Local residents who were present at the site this morning told KoSSev that the land on which the police station will be built belongs to NIS.
Milentije Jakšić, a resident of Zubin Potok, and one of the activists of the civic initiative „Za Zubin Potok“ conveyed his concern and displeasure over the fact that the building is being built ten meters from the elementary school to the police this morning. Jakšić says that a policeman told him that they would actually install police containers there.
„I immediately offered them part of my land if they were going to put containers because the police station has no place next to the school in this situation,“ Jakšić told KoSSev.
However, the police said that they will be implementing this decision.
„Vulović made a decision a few years ago, but the police station cannot be this close to the elementary school, and for the implementation of this decision there was no public discussion,“ claims Jakšić, whose activists are also part of the local self-government.
„We do not deny the decision to build a police station, it is located in an old private house, but it cannot be situated next to the school and must respond to the demands and needs of the municipality itself.“
Jakšić also announced a protest on Monday.
„A couple of us came and we decided that on Monday, in the presence of employed educators and parents, we will express our democratic disagreement with the construction of a police station across the street from the elementary school,“ announced Jakšić.
Elshani: The decision to construct a police station was made in 2018
The deputy commander for the region north, Veton Elshani, confirmed for KoSSev that a police station is being built at this location, stating that this is actually a decision that was made back in 2018, and completed in 2022.
„Since we were situated in a private house, the decision was made in 2018, we received approval to start building now, otherwise the decision was made earlier,“ said Elshani.
He also confirmed that police containers will be placed in this lot first.
„Since the police station is currently located in a private house, we have to leave it, and that’s why we are placing containers until this station is built,“ said Elshani.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
