The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro has awarded recognitions to municipalities that have demonstrated best practices in local self-government, highlighting the most successful examples of commitment, innovation, and cooperation with citizens. These awards are particularly significant as they demonstrate the extent to which local communities can serve as drivers of positive change and development when they operate responsibly and with a clear vision.
Among the award recipients, Pljevlja stood out for receiving recognition for best practice in cooperation within the water services sector. This recognition is the result of continuous collaboration between the municipality and the public utility company Vodovod d.o.o., through which a set of measures of great importance to citizens has been implemented. The company's operations have been consolidated, water losses in the network have been reduced, technical equipment has been upgraded, and service prices have remained affordable.
The greatest achievement is that, for the first time in many years, the citizens of Pljevlja enjoyed a stable water supply without restrictions, while the public utility company Vodovod recorded a positive financial result after a long period of losses. These results confirm that Pljevlja is moving in the right direction, that the local government is successfully responding to the needs of its citizens, and that it can serve as an example to other municipalities in Montenegro. This recognition is also a tribute to all employees and citizens whose efforts contributed to achieving this success.
In addition to Pljevlja, other municipalities also received awards for best practices:
- Budva – for its successful cooperation with the company Otpadne vode in preventing operational issues at the municipal wastewater treatment plant, thereby helping to preserve the quality of the Adriatic Sea and protect public health.
- Tivat – for the reorganization of local community councils, which has enabled citizens to participate more actively in decision-making processes and has improved the efficiency of addressing local issues.
- Šavnik – for the development of a mobile application that provides citizens with timely information, particularly in emergency situations, while also creating opportunities for their active participation in the planning and development of local policies.
By awarding these recognitions, the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro sends a clear message that local governments have the capacity to improve the quality of life of their citizens and that good practices can serve as an inspiration to other communities as well.
For Pljevlja, this recognition is much more than an award—it is a confirmation that hard work, responsibility, and dedication to the community are recognized and valued. At the same time, it serves as an incentive to continue improving public services and creating even better living conditions for its citizens.
