In Marcana, 100 illegal buildings are destroyed every year.

In the coastal town of Marčana, located within the Istria County, authorities have confirmed that approximately 100 illegal structures have been built annually over the past few years. The issue has sparked concern among local residents, who fear retaliation if they speak out against the growing number of unauthorized constructions along the coastline. The problem of illegal building has been escalating since more than four decades ago, when the first makeshift holiday homes began appearing on protected shorelines. What was once modest has evolved into fully equipped residences offering comfort and luxury. According to reports, around 600 such structures have already been registered, with another hundred being constructed each year. Most of these builders originate from Slovenia, though there are also many Croatian citizens from inland areas and some German nationals involved. Local residents are calling for government intervention, yet they remain hesitant to take public action due to fears of potential consequences. A resident, who agreed to speak under anonymity, expressed his concerns regarding the situation. He stated that his home is legally built and that he could face threats, vandalism, or damage to his property if he were to confront those responsible. He mentioned that he would personally bear the cost of any damages inflicted upon his residence, with no one coming to his aid. The municipality of Marčana currently employs two municipal guards, who claim they are unable to report all instances of illegal construction. A local official, Predrag Pliško, the mayor of Marčana, noted that there is no enforcement of removals or demolitions. He explained that only when individuals themselves remove their structures does anything happen, which is a rare occurrence. Last year, the Construction Inspection conducted eight inspections in Peruški. Officials from the State Inspectorate reported that construction sites had been closed down, administrative procedures carried out, and penalty complaints filed. This year, preparations are underway to remove twenty illegal buildings through a third party. However, despite these efforts, illegal constructions continue to stand on previously sealed sites, remaining untouched even after a year following their closure. The ongoing presence of these unauthorized structures continues to raise questions about the effectiveness of current measures and the willingness of local authorities to enforce regulations. As the community watches, the challenge remains to address this persistent issue while balancing the rights of residents and the need for legal compliance.