The inhabitants of Prijepolje have relied on the Ratajska River for water for years, using it for drinking, irrigation and bathing. The river is vital for local agriculture and is home to numerous protected animal and plant species. However, a private investor plans to build a small hydroelectric power plant (SHPP) called “Velika Ploča” on the river, raising concerns among locals about the environmental impact and potential destruction of the river’s ecosystem.
Damir Bećirbašić, a local activist and member of the informal group “Protect the rivers of Prijepolje,” has accused the company PowerIT, which received the energy permit for the project, of falsifying official documents required for the permit. He obtained documentation through official channels and found discrepancies, including a key document called “Water Conditions” that was electronically signed by an individual no longer employed by the Public Water Company Srbijavode since 2021. Srbijavode confirmed that the document was not issued by them, suggesting it is forged.
Bećirbašić also uncovered irregularities with the “Location Information” document, issued by the Prijepolje Municipal Administration. The municipality provided conflicting responses, and one document appeared to be a copy of an older 2018 file with altered dates, signatures, and references to outdated laws.
The Ministry of Mining and Energy issued the energy permit based on these documents but stated it cannot verify their authenticity and cannot revoke the permit without a court decision. The Ministry advised Bećirbašić to file a criminal complaint to pursue the matter legally. Despite inquiries, the Ministry did not provide further comments.
Local residents and environmental activists are demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for the alleged forgery. They fear the Ratajska River could suffer the same fate as the nearby Gračanica River, which has been severely damaged by hydroelectric projects, resulting in the loss of fish and biodiversity.
An initiative to protect the entire course of the Ratajska River has been launched, supported by nearly 800 citizens and 16 associations. The group is awaiting official protection status for the river area.
PowerIT, the company behind the project, was founded in 2017 in Subotica and is registered for electricity production. Its current director is Filip Đorđević. The company has not responded to requests for comment on the allegations.
