Fecal catastrophe in Dubrovnik: Is the pearl of the Mediterranean at risk of extinction?

Fecal catastrophe in Dubrovnik: Is the pearl of the Mediterranean at risk of extinction?

Dubrovnik, the picturesque “Pearl of the Mediterranean,” is plagued by a serious sewage problem that could anger both residents and tourists. Just 30 meters from the beautiful shore there is a leak in the sewer pipes, which is sending unpleasant smells into the water. Miho Storelli, a concerned citizen, spoke out on the Croatian portal dnevnik.hr, calling the situation "a shame for all of us", while the city administration assured that the problem would be resolved by the end of March. This fix is ​​urgently needed as peak tourist season is upon us and Dubrovnik is known for its gorgeous scenery, especially after its fame from the series “Game of Thrones”.

The sewage leak, which appears to have been going on for years and is often ignored, has left residents upset. The water authority describes the leak as a sporadic problem and claims such incidents are random. Still, skepticism remains among residents concerned about the reputation of their city and the health of the bright blue sea. As tz.de reports, there have already been complaints about contamination in the water in the past, which makes the situation even more worrying. The city is under pressure to improve its infrastructure to ensure smooth operations ahead of the arrival of holidaymakers.

Urgent action required

Given the ongoing complaints and past problems, it is unlikely that Dubrovnik will be able to ignore its sewage problem if tourist flows increase again. There is great hope for a quick solution from the city administration, but it remains to be seen whether the measures can be implemented in time. In the meantime, residents and the city must work on a sustainable solution, because Dubrovnik has not only touristic, but also cultural and historical significance for Croatia. Cosmo and tz.de report on the impact of these open questions.