Imagine a man who worked in Germany for 30 years, dreaming of returning to his native village near Leskovac to be his own boss. That man is Ivan Milenković from Donje Brijanje. But instead of an idyll, he was met with harsh reality – no water! Yes, you read that right. Water, the most basic necessity of life, has become his biggest enemy.
Ivan decided to return from Germany, where his parents stayed, because he didn’t want to fall into the trap of living abroad. He wanted to work the land, be the boss of his own farm, and contribute to the local community. His farm is well-kept, with greenhouses where he grows peppers and other vegetables. But the problem is that greenhouse production in this area is not as developed as in other parts of Leskovac, and the water has dried up.
Ivan relied on a single well in his yard, but this year the water completely disappeared. He bought barrels, fills them from the river, brings water by tanker, but it’s not easy. The main water supply from Brestovac Lake runs right next to the road, but local authorities in Leskovac do not allow connection because the water comes from another municipality. The villagers even blocked a regional road due to the shortage of drinking water, as entire villages have dry and polluted wells.
Ivan doesn’t give up. He plans to build modern heated greenhouses and plant more fruit. He believes the land here is fertile if you know how to work it. He says he doesn’t need much, just water. And while he fights the shortage, he won’t return to Germany. His story proves how hard it is to be a farmer in Serbia today, even if you have experience and willpower.
If you think this is just an ordinary story, think again. This is a fight for the survival of the village, for the future of agriculture, and for a dignified life. The question is – how long will the state allow people like Ivan to lose the battle for basic resources? Maybe it’s time for all of us to speak up about this. Or at least laugh at this absurd situation. Who knows, maybe Ivan will find a solution soon, and until then – whoever has water, share it!
So, what do you think? Is this just a drop in the ocean of problems or the start of something bigger? Drop a comment, let’s see who’s with Ivan and who thinks it’s better to stay in Germany!
