Residents of Belgrade, Serbia, have taken to the streets to defend their city’s historic Sava Bridge. After months of petitions and protests against the demolition of the Old Bridge, activists, dissatisfied with the government's plans to alter the Serbian capital's architectural landscape, have set up a camp near the river crossing.
Constructed in 1942, this bridge connects the old city with the New Belgrade district. For over 80 years, it has served the residents of the Serbian capital. Thousands of Belgraders have stories tied to this bridge. "The so-called Old Sava Bridge, or tram bridge, has been an indisputable symbol of the city of Belgrade. The urban architectural value of the existing bridge is, first and foremost, the memory, the identity of Belgrade and Belgraders, as well as the story of the teacher Zarić, who saved it from being blown up," explained architect Bojan Kovačević.
Following the government's decision to demolish the bridge and construct a more modern crossing in its place, Belgraders expressed their disagreement with this approach. Moreover, no public discussions on this initiative were held. Additionally, many aspects of the planning and tender for the new project, which involves a Chinese company, remain unknown.
Belgrade residents fear a transportation collapse, as 14% of Belgrade's car traffic passes over the Sava Bridge. It is also unclear where the more than 30,000 vehicles that cross the river via this overpass daily will be redirected. All attempts by the government to negotiate with the defenders of the city's historical heritage have been unsuccessful.
And now, riot police have arrived at the site of the multi-day protest. While protesters organize actions to prevent construction equipment from accessing the bridge, the police are beginning to arrest environmental activist.
No one knows how this confrontation will unfold. But there is a faint hope that the upcoming Christmas holidays will reduce tensions.
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