The material damage caused to the budget of Belgrade and Serbia by the “Ćacilend” tent settlement is estimated at no less than €6 million, according to Nikola Jovanović, Director of the Center for Local Self-Government (CLS).
Speaking to FoNet, Jovanović stated that the damage has been accumulating since March, when the tent settlement was first erected in Pionirski Park and later expanded to Nikola Pašić Square.
Parking Service Losses Exceed €1.3 Million
According to Jovanović, Belgrade’s public company “Parking Service” alone lost €1.3 million in revenue due to the inability to use the underground garage in Dragoslava Jovanovića Street, which was blocked as a result of the tent settlement.
Daily Payments and Alleged Misuse of Public Funds
Jovanović added that the total damage rises significantly when daily payments to individuals staying in the tent settlement, including extras and security stewards, are taken into account.
“According to CLS calculations, these costs amount to around €5 million,” Jovanović said.
He alleged that these expenses were financed through the extraction of public funds via fictitious contracts within city-owned utility companies.
Citizens to Bear the Financial Burden
Jovanović warned that the financial losses incurred by Parking Service are being offset at the expense of Belgrade residents, through the introduction of new parking zones across the entire Stari Grad municipality and the extension of paid parking to weekends.
“One of the motives behind higher parking fees in Stari Grad is the financing of Ćacilend,” he said, adding that citizens will ultimately pay the price through increased bills.
He also announced that from January 1, prices for services provided by Belgrade Waterworks and Sewerage will increase by more than 200 dinars per average household.
Call for Responsible Budget Management
Jovanović emphasized that the Center for Local Self-Government advocates for the professionalization of management in public utility companies, more responsible use of public funds, and rationalization of city administration, rather than shifting new and unnecessary costs onto citizens.
