The Capital City of Podgorica plans to invest nearly €90 million in infrastructure, public facilities, and equipment in 2026, according to the draft city budget currently under public review. More than €17 million of that amount is allocated for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in the suburban settlement of Botun, a project that has already received a building permit but continues to face strong opposition from local residents.
Capital expenditures account for more than half of the city’s proposed 2026 budget, which totals just over €160 million.
According to the draft budget, spending on local infrastructure is projected at €53.27 million, representing 33.2% of total expenditures and 59.3% of capital spending. These funds will cover the construction of roads, bridges, squares, promenades, street lighting, water supply and sewage systems, green spaces, parks, and cemeteries, as well as project documentation.
Specifically, the city plans to invest €5.5 million in new roads, garages, and bridges, €8 million for repairs to municipal and unclassified roads, and €3.3 million for landscaping, playgrounds, and irrigation systems. The construction of promenades along Ljubović Hill and parts of the Morača River is estimated to cost around €500,000.
When it comes to public buildings, Podgorica intends to spend €11.7 million on several projects, including the construction of a multi-purpose facility in Zagorič, the east stand of the City Stadium, continued work on the City Theatre, and the reconstruction of several existing buildings.
The city also plans to allocate €10 million for the procurement of equipment and to support the operations of local public companies. Planned subsidies include €2.8 million each for Radio-Television Podgorica and Čistoća (waste management), €2.2 million for Zelenilo (parks and landscaping), €1.1 million for Komunalne usluge (utility services), €1.7 million for the Agency for Construction and Development, and €700,000 for the Housing Agency.
Podgorica will also take out a loan of up to €8 million in 2026 to finance the construction of an above-ground parking garage. Additionally, the city will assume part of the debt of the Water Supply and Sewerage Company, amounting to €437,340, related to an Investment and Development Fund loan used for expanding water and sewage infrastructure in Tuzi and Zeta.
The city plans to allocate over €20 million for gross salaries and employer contributions, including additional hiring in the Protection and Rescue Service to strengthen firefighting and emergency response capacities during the summer season. Increased staffing is also planned in the Property Directorate, which manages the city’s expanding land portfolio and plays a key role in resolving property and legal issues.
