Ana Raić: Why in August 2026 is it only thinking about the rehabilitation in Gospić?

Minister Branko Bačić, responsible for spatial planning, construction, and state property, addressed concerns over illegal waste disposal sites in Lici near Gospić, Croatia, during a televised interview with HRT’s daily news program. Speaking from the island of Korčula, Bačić emphasized that the government is actively working to resolve the issue, stating that “we are not standing with crossed arms, we are doing everything.” He assured citizens that water quality in the area has been tested and found suitable for consumption, citing recent results from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ). The minister reiterated that the government will continue monitoring water quality and ensure its safety for public use. The situation in Lici has sparked growing public concern due to the presence of hazardous waste sites, which have led to fears of contamination. Bačić explained that all relevant ministries have been elevated to the highest operational level to address the crisis. He outlined three key principles guiding the response: continuous testing of water samples across multiple locations in Lici to eliminate doubts about water quality, regular public disclosure of test results, regardless of their outcome, and the immediate sanitation of the waste sites to restore the area. These measures aim to ensure both environmental and public health protection. Despite these efforts, local officials and residents remain skeptical. Darko Milinović, mayor of Gospić, criticized the government for delays and lack of action, claiming that nearly a year and a half has passed since the issue was identified, yet no waste has been removed from the area. He accused the government of misleading the public and failing to take decisive steps. According to Milinović, the government could have initiated direct negotiations for waste removal earlier, and the delay has resulted in a loss of time and trust. He called for accountability, noting that the municipality had already warned authorities in 2023 about the accumulation of thousands of tons of waste. Milinović further argued that the current legal procedures, including public procurement processes, have been unnecessarily prolonged. He pointed out that the initial tender for waste removal ended on May 27, and although the government could have proceeded directly to negotiations under exceptional circumstances, they instead adjusted the quantity of waste to be handled, thereby delaying the process. This, he claimed, has caused irreversible damage to public confidence and delayed necessary actions. Despite his criticism, Milinović expressed hope that the government would eventually act decisively to remove the waste and protect public health. In response to these criticisms, Bačić stated that the government is actively seeking solutions outside of Croatia. He revealed that the Ministry of Spatial Planning and the Environmental Protection Fund have already begun engaging with European companies capable of handling hazardous waste. The goal is to identify the most suitable company based on criteria such as the speed of waste removal. The government plans to finalize this process before August 25, when another tender is set to conclude. If no viable offers emerge, the waste will still be removed through direct negotiations, without waiting for the deadline. Bačić also acknowledged that Croatia lacks adequate facilities for disposing of hazardous waste in the region. As a result, the waste will be transported abroad to countries where the responsible companies are located. He emphasized that the decision will be based on the completeness and scope of the proposals received, ensuring that the waste is removed as quickly as possible. While he did not provide a specific timeline for the start of the cleanup, he stressed that the government is committed to resolving the issue promptly and transparently. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between bureaucratic procedures and urgent public health concerns. Local officials argue that the government has failed to act swiftly, while national authorities insist that they are following established protocols. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on finding a solution that balances regulatory requirements with the need for rapid action to safeguard the environment and community well-being.