The objective of the multi-year project “Biodiversity and Water Protection Lake Palic and Lake Ludas – Ecolacus” is the improvement of the water quality of Lake Palic and Lake Ludas, which is the basic precondition for preserving biodiversity and creating the potentials for tourism development in this area. The annual review of the implementation outcomes of this very significant project was presented at the press conference held in Palić.
Ervin Molnar, Head of the Project Management Unit at the City Secretariat for Investments:
– The project is currently in its most active phase, considering that all measures have been initiated and are in progress. All 14 tenders that were planned were conducted. Only one contract remains to be signed. Other contracts have already been signed, and works are already being carried out at this moment. So, we can say that the project is now closer to the end than to the beginning. We need to monitor the implementation of all these measures, and how to get to, we sincerely hope, the expected results.
The undertaken project measures include reducing the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the lake water and reducing the overpopulated allochthonous species. Biomass is reduced through selective fishing of weed-fish-species such as the silver carp, i.e. babushka, whose quantities in the lakes are currently disturbing the natural balance, and by introducing a population of predatory fish, such as perch. So far, catching babushka has been organized on several occasions. The second campaign of selective fishing of this invasive species began at the beginning of August 2020.
Marta Dobo, Director of the Public Company “Palić-Ludaš”
– Employees of the public company Palić-Ludaš set up special nets – trap nets, made especially for local needs, on eight locations of Sector IV Lake Palić in cooperation with an engaged fishing company from Serbia. Trap nets are being emptied on a daily based schedule. After the trap net with the fish is pulled out of the lake, the fish is selected and recorded. Indigenous, so-called native species such as perch and carp, are returned to the water, while invasive species such as silver carp, sunfish, Chinese rasbora, brown bullhead, are caught and put in so-called keep-nets that remain in the water. After emptying all the trap nets, the caught fish is removed. About a ton of fish is taken out in this way daily. The caught fish is sent to zoos to be used as animal feed, and the analysis of the Veterinary Specialist Institute – Subotica has shown that it is also suitable for human use.
The project will establish 5 to 20 meters wide protection zones around both lakes with greenery, where an inspection path for monitoring and maintenance of the protection zone will be located, as well as the rest areas, watchtowers, and bird-watching platforms. The pedestrian-bicycle paths will be built at certain coastal parts of the Lake Palić. Furthermore, information boards are made within the project to inform tourists and visitors about important sites at the lakes Palić and Ludaš.
Marta Dobo, Director of the Public Company “Palić-Ludaš”
– The protection zone will be constructed around Sector III and IV of Lake Palić and also around Lake Ludaš. The buffer zone will be formed in the area between the lake and agricultural surfaces. There are ongoing works, i.e. clearing the terrain – a lot has already been done at Palić. About 11000m2 of invasive species have been removed at Palić and 2000m2 at Ludaš. Sowing of the lucerne was done in the spring and its mowing during this summer. About 3.2 ha was processed at Palić and about 3 ha at Ludaš.
The wastewater treatment plant of Subotica will be upgraded and rehabilitated by the end of the project. A new sewerage network and wastewater pumping station will be built in Palić, as well as the pressure line to Subotica, which will bring all collected wastewater to the wastewater treatment plant in Subotica.
Đerđ Šugar, Director of PUC Vodovod i kanalizacija:
– On behalf of the waterworks, I would start with our major activity, and that is, naturally, the construction of the sewerage network, which is now about 22 km long, as you have heard. The deadline for the completion of the works is September 30th, 2020. It should also be noted that about 500 consumers in Palić will be connected to this system. The procurement of hydro-mechanical equipment for the construction of the pumping station in Palić is in progress. The capacity of the pumping station is 60 l/s. According to the contract, mid-January is the time when everything should be finished.
The project “Biodiversity and Water Protection Lake Palic and Lake Ludas – Ecolacus” is financed by a grant from the Government of Germany, managed by KfW – German Development Bank, and it amounts to EUR 6.5 million. The City of Subotica is participating with EUR 1 million given for the purchase of land and the payment of compensation. Additional funds were provided during the implementation of the project.
Ljubica Bertović, Member of the Project PR team and conference moderator:
– The novelty in the investment measure, related to the improvement of the operation of the wastewater treatment plant, is that additional financing has been provided by approving a loan through the German development KFW bank of EUR 1.3 million. Two important contracts were signed in the period from April to June. One of them refers to the purchase of a new truck and a container to transport of dehydrated sludge from the treatment plant to the regional landfill Subotica. The second contract refers to the supply and installation of disk filters that will enable better operation of our wastewater treatment plant in Subotica.
There are several public companies from Subotica and representatives and associates of the consulting company “Posch and Partners” involved in the project implementation. Having in mind the importance of sustainable development of ecosystems, the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure supported the implementation of the project Biodiversity and Water Protection Lake Palic and Lake Ludas.
Marko Stojčić, Biodiversity Project Consultant Representative on behalf of Posch & Partners consulting engineers:
– The key to any success is cooperation. On behalf of the entire consulting team, led by the project manager, Mr. Fritz Schweiger, and on my behalf, I would like to express my great gratitude for the excellent cooperation, we have had since the first day of the project, and until the present day, starting from the project financier, the German development bank KFW, through the competent Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, the City of Subotica, PUC Vodovod i kanalizacija, PE Palić-Ludaš, to all those individuals and companies that are involved in this project as designers, contractors, suppliers or any other way.
The key to any success is cooperation. On behalf of the entire consulting team, led by the project manager, Mr. Fritz Schweiger, and on my behalf, I would like to express my great gratitude for the excellent cooperation, we have had since the first day of the project, and until the present day, to start with the project financier, the German development bank KFW, then the competent Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, the City of Subotica, PUC Vodovod i kanalizacija, PE Palić-Ludaš, to all those individuals and companies that are involved in this project as designers, contractors, suppliers or in any other way.
