Bridges That Don’t Connect, But Divide!
In Kosovska Mitrovica, where the Ibar River splits the city into a northern Serbian and southern Albanian part, citizens are raising their voices against the announced construction of two new bridges. Yes, you read that right – two new bridges! But instead of being bridges of reconciliation, they are met as bridges of division and danger.
‘We Have One Bridge, That’s Enough!’
Residents of the northern part of the city can’t believe what’s happening. “We have one bridge, and that’s enough!” says one concerned resident. Another adds, “We don’t need new construction, we need safety and peace!”
For a small city like Kosovska Mitrovica, two new bridges next to the main bridge over the Ibar seem like an unnecessary luxury, or rather, a potential problem. “Who will use those bridges?” asks one resident, hinting that the bridges might be closed or non-functional, like the existing bridge which is under constant KFOR protection and closed to traffic.
Political Background and Serbian List Opposition
The cornerstone for the construction of the bridges was laid by Albin Kurti, acting prime minister of the provisional institutions in Priština, on July 1. This decision sparked strong reactions among Serbs in Mitrovica. The president of the Serbian List, Zlatan Elek, clearly stated that Serbs oppose this initiative and announced a petition against the construction of the bridges, which will be available for signing from Monday in front of the party headquarters.
Why So Many Bridges?
Citizens believe there are already enough bridges in the city and that the new bridges will bring no good to the Serbs. On the contrary, they fear the situation will get worse. “Bridges are for birds, chickens, pigeons, and wind to pass, but not for us!” says one resident, expressing doubt about the functionality and purpose of the new crossings.
What’s Really Going On?
The main bridge over the Ibar is closed to vehicles and is under constant KFOR protection, which complicates life for the citizens. The new bridges would be located next to this bridge, but the question is whether they will be open and accessible for everyday traffic or will be another symbol of division and control.
Conclusion: Bridges That Don’t Connect, But Divide
While the authorities in Priština announce the construction of new bridges as an infrastructure project, the citizens of Kosovska Mitrovica see it as a threat and an additional reason for concern. Instead of building bridges of understanding and cooperation, it seems that bridges of division and insecurity are being built.
If you have a bridge in your mind or maybe a bridge that should be torn down, feel free to drop a comment. Who knows, maybe your idea could be the bridge between two sides, not another obstacle!
