Lukanović on the ecological threat in Lika: Water on the island of Rabu is correct and safe

The mayor of the Primorsko-Goranska county, Ivica Lukanović, has addressed public concerns over environmental threats following recent findings of illegal waste disposal and potential contamination of water sources. In response to official reports by the State Institute for Public Health and the Faculty of Geotechnics revealing 37,000 tons of hazardous waste illegally dumped near Gospić and the presence of PFAS compounds in local groundwater, Lukanović called for transparency and action. He emphasized that the water supply on Rab Island remains safe and compliant with health standards, while urging continued vigilance and enhanced monitoring. According to Lukanović, current analyses conducted by the Public Health Education Center of the Primorsko-Goranska County and the local water supply system show no evidence of water quality degradation affecting residents of Rab Island. The water distributed to citizens meets prescribed health standards and is deemed safe for consumption. However, he acknowledged the need for increased scrutiny due to the nature of the issue, which justifies heightened attention. To ensure ongoing safety, Lukanović requested additional monthly testing of water quality on Rab Island, including assessments for metals and PFAS compounds. Previously, such tests were conducted twice annually, but moving forward they will be performed once per month. Results of these analyses will be publicly available on the website of the Public Health Education Center, ensuring transparency and timely access to information for the community. Lukanović highlighted the complexity of the karst aquifer system, which connects areas such as Lika, Gorski Kotar, and the Kvarner region through underground water networks that transcend administrative boundaries. This interconnectedness necessitates continuous and long-term monitoring to track changes and maintain water quality. He stressed the importance of regular and open disclosure of measurement results to the public, emphasizing that citizens have a right to accurate and verified information regarding their environment and water resources. He further called upon the State Inspectorate, Croatian Water Company, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development to establish permanent and intensified monitoring of relevant water sources and subterranean waters linked to local catchments. Regular publication of analysis results and clear communication with the public were identified as essential components of this effort. His message underscored the responsibility of authorities to act proactively, monitor conditions, identify potential risks early, and respond before issues escalate into serious problems. Lukanović also pointed to the political dimension of the ecological incident, noting that large quantities of waste had been illegally disposed of in the Gospić area for years without prompt or effective intervention by responsible institutions. He acknowledged that citizens, associations, and local communities had raised alarms over time, yet the situation remained unresolved until recent findings confirmed its severity. While he refrained from assigning individual blame prior to the completion of legal proceedings by USKOK and other relevant bodies, he asserted that political accountability for the functioning of the state system exists and cannot be avoided. In conclusion, Lukanović urged the current government to provide a clear explanation of how such a failure occurred and outline specific measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. His remarks reflect both concern and determination, underscoring the need for accountability and proactive governance in safeguarding public health and environmental integrity.