Clean Serbia – Happy and blessed Easter holidays

To all citizens of Serbia,
The project „Clean Serbia“ wishes you a happy and blessed Easter!
Easter is a holiday of renewal, life, and light.
Nature follows this rhythm — awakening, growth, and the strength of a new beginning.
Therefore, let us be responsible for the environment.
Let us protect nature, for we are not above it — but a part of it.
May the holiday days awaken in us faith in goodness, closeness among people, and attention to the world we share!

Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!

Temporary traffic suspension due to construction works in Subotica

The Secretariat for Communal Affairs, Energy, and Transport informs the citizens of Subotica that, as part of the “Clean Serbia” project, construction works will be carried out on the sewage network, which will lead to a temporary suspension of traffic in certain streets.

The works will be carried out in several phases:
• Phase 1: Jovana Mikića Street
• Phase 2: Miroslava Antića Street
• Phase 3: Milutina Uskokovića Street

The temporary traffic suspension is expected to last until August 1, 2025.

After the works in Inđija, continuation in Beška

As part of the “Clean Serbia” project, 7.2 kilometers of a sewage network have so far been constructed in Inđija, out of the total planned 9.3 kilometers. According to Uroš Trifunović, director of the public utility company, it was announced at the latest meeting of the “System 48” that the construction works will continue in the settlement of Beška.

All works are expected to be completed within two years. As Trifunović emphasized, the pace of construction depends on several factors, including weather conditions, but it is expected that activities in Beška will begin within the next month.

– Work in Beška will follow a previously established plan, and we expect the entire sewage network in this settlement to be completed within a year – said Trifunović.

In total, the municipality of Inđija plans to construct 38 kilometers of sewage infrastructure, which will cover 13 streets. According to the plan, works will later continue in the local community of Beška. The total estimated value of the works is 306,111,330 dinars.

In addition to Inđija, the project also includes the construction of another 9.1 kilometers of sewage network in Beška, which will include a system for wastewater disposal.

CRBC in Novi Pazar: Talks about the “Clean Serbia” project

In Novi Pazar, representatives of the Chinese company CRBC met with Mayor Nihat Bešević and his team to discuss infrastructure projects in the city. During the visit of the CRBC delegation, led by General Director Yang Dong, the primary focus was on the implementation of the national project “Clean Serbia.”

When it comes to sewage infrastructure, official data indicates that the sewage system in Novi Pazar lacks sufficient capacity. A particular challenge is that many private properties have connected rainwater drainage systems (gutters and courtyards) to the sewage network, often leading to system congestion and wastewater overflow.

According to information from the “Community Profile” published on the official city website, it is necessary for stormwater drainage from buildings to be connected to a separate rainwater sewage network in order to relieve the existing sewage infrastructure.

Currently, the total length of the primary sewage network is about 120 kilometers, while the rainwater sewage system spans approximately 100 kilometers. The main collectors are in poor condition and require reconstruction along a stretch of about 20 kilometers. The municipality does not have a wastewater treatment plant, according to the city website.

In rural areas, wastewater from households is mostly discharged into improvised septic tanks, leading to soil pollution. In many cases, wastewater is uncontrollably poured into nearby watercourses, directly threatening public health and the natural ecosystem.

The territory of the Novi Pazar region is intersected by numerous rivers: to the west, the Lim; to the northwest and in central parts, the Uvac and Vapa; while to the east and south, the Ibar flows with its tributaries Vidrenjak and Raška. To the north, there are smaller rivers originating from Moravica and Studenica.

 

 

Ničić: The “Clean Serbia” project on the verge of implementation

The Mayor of Zaječar, Boško Ničić, during a visit to the asphalt paving works in the village of Grljan, expressed hope that an agreement for the implementation of the “Clean Serbia” project will soon be signed for that part of Serbia.

“I hope that an agreement related to this part of Serbia will soon be signed with the Chinese contractors, within the framework of the ‘Clean Serbia’ project, and that we will finally begin what the residents of Grljan have been waiting for – the construction of a sewage network and connection to the main collector, which will extend from Grljan, through the settlement of Višnjar, all the way to the new wastewater treatment plant,” said Ničić.

According to him, the planned sewage network will cover approximately 86 kilometers in length.

 

Macut announces continuity in the implementation of the “Clean Serbia”

In the National Assembly of Serbia, Đuro Macut, the nominee for the new Government, emphasized the continuity in the implementation of the “Clean Serbia” project during his exposé and presentation of the Government’s program.

Speaking about the development of communal infrastructure, Macut stated that the “Clean Serbia” project is being implemented across 73 local self-government units, encompassing a total of 93 locations throughout the Republic of Serbia. The project involves the construction and improvement of sewage networks and wastewater treatment plants, with the aim of enhancing the environment, public health, and overall quality of life for citizens.

This project represents one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the field of environmental protection in Serbia and holds long-term importance for the country’s sustainable development.

Health risks due to unresolved sewage systems

The problem of an unregulated sewage network in many areas is not just an issue of municipal infrastructure, but also a serious health risk for the population.

Unregulated wastewater disposal increases the possibility of exposure to harmful microorganisms. The most common health consequences are associated with the presence of viruses, bacteria, and parasites that spread through contaminated water and air.

Viral infections, such as gastroenteritis or even polio, can cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and other serious symptoms.

Among bacterial infections, campylobacteriosis and E. coli infection are particularly dangerous, as they can lead to severe conditions, including kidney failure.

Parasitic infections, which are common in unhygienic conditions, should also not be overlooked. The most well-known are cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis.

Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium, which spreads through contaminated water, even in swimming pools. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and fatigue. The infection is particularly dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems.

Giardiasis, on the other hand, is caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, and is primarily transmitted through contaminated drinking water. It causes prolonged diarrhea, bloating, gas, and significant loss of appetite and body weight.

Laboratory tests in areas without adequate sewage systems often confirm the presence of fecal bacteria and pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which in unhygienic conditions can cause serious infections of the skin, respiratory tract, and urinary tract – particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, further confirming the urgent need to address this issue.

Given all of the above, resolving the sewage system issue must be a priority for local and national authorities. Serbia is currently addressing this challenge through the national project “Clean Serbia,” which aims to improve infrastructure and build systems for the collection and treatment of wastewater in over 70 municipalities across the country.

The global challenge in wastewater treatment technologies

One of the key challenges in modern wastewater treatment technologies is the increasing presence of solid materials in wastewater, dirty, and surface waters. Among the most problematic are wet wipes and similar non-biodegradable materials, which entangle into “knots” and form braids, leading to pump blockages and equipment damage.

Wastewater management experts around the world are warning of a drastic increase in the amount of non-degradable materials in sewer systems. In urban areas, especially in large cities, these materials, combined with fats, create large solid masses known as fatbergs. These can weigh several tons and often cause severe blockages in sewer pipes.

The consequences of sewer blockages include:

  • Blockages of pumps and pipes – the so-called “ragging problem,” where solid materials entangle and hinder pump operation.
  • Damage to equipment – increased wear of pumps, motors, and filtration systems.
  • Increased maintenance costs – due to frequent manual cleaning, repairs, and part replacements.
  • Increased risk of breakdowns – blockages can lead to sewage overflows and serious environmental issues.

To address this growing challenge, many countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavian nations, are implementing advanced technical solutions:

Germany: Vogelsang XRipper
The company Vogelsang has developed XRipper, a dual-shaft grinder designed to shred solid materials such as wet wipes, textiles, and other waste in sewage systems. This device protects pumps and pipes from clogging and damage, reducing the need for frequent interventions and maintenance.

Netherlands: Flygt Concertor in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, a sewage station was frequently experiencing clogs due to wet wipes. In response, city authorities implemented the Flygt Concertor, an intelligent pump system that automatically adapts its performance to the wastewater composition. The results were immediate – clogs were eliminated, and maintenance costs significantly reduced.

The introduction of such modern systems is becoming increasingly important to preserve the functionality of facilities, reduce costs, and protect the environment.

photo:AI

“Clean Serbia” as a key part of EXPO 2027

The Clean Serbia project, which involves the construction of sewage networks and wastewater treatment plants across the country, has been highlighted as one of the key infrastructure undertakings in preparation for EXPO 2027. Serbia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in a technical mandate, Siniša Mali, stated that the total value of the EXPO project will reach an impressive 18 billion euros, encompassing 323 infrastructure projects throughout Serbia.

Clean Serbia plays a crucial role in improving environmental protection and raising the quality of life for citizens. The project aims to address one of the most pressing ecological issues—lack of adequate sewage infrastructure and wastewater treatment in many municipalities.

Mali emphasized that, in addition to Clean Serbia, the EXPO development plan also includes projects in the fields of transportation (both water and air), energy, tourism, education, and innovation. Among them are the Kostolac B3 thermal power plant, the Kostolac wind farm, the Serbia–Hungary oil pipeline, the expansion of the Banatski Dvor gas storage facility, irrigation systems, the BIO 4 Campus, the Innovation District, the expansion of the Data Center in Kragujevac, as well as the construction of student and dormitory housing, training centers, and projects related to integrated regional development and tourism.

A special place in this comprehensive investment wave is occupied by Clean Serbia, whose implementation not only contributes to environmental sustainability and public health but also paves the way for Serbia to align with European environmental standards.

“Clean Serbia” in Varvarin: Preparations for paving underway

The construction of the sewage network in the Municipality of Varvarin is entering its final phase. After the installation of sewage pipes, street paving will follow.

Nemanja Čolić, Assistant to the President of the Municipality of Varvarin, stated that preparations for asphalt paving are in progress.

“Preparations are underway to pave 510 meters of Nikola Tesla Street and 370 meters of Aleksandar Ranković Street in the village of Varvarin. The project includes the construction of 45 kilometers of sewage network,” Čolić told KruševacGrad, adding that work on the construction of a wastewater treatment separator is also in progress.

At the same time, in Obrež, the paving of Sava Kovačević Street, approximately 550 meters long, has been completed, providing the street with full communal infrastructure.

Councilor Slobodan Simić, who visited the construction site, emphasized that the implementation of the “Clean Serbia” project is of great importance to the local residents.

“The implementation of the project will significantly improve the quality of life,” Simić said.