While abandoned hearths and forgotten villages can often be seen throughout Serbia, a wonderful story comes to us from Tutin, thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of a local resident who was supported by others. On the initiative of Semir Ćolović, the village of Vaseniće has been arranged and now looks like a small Switzerland.
“The village is arranged according to all European standards. We have roads, benches, traffic signs, containers, and waste bins, just like in Switzerland. Two years ago, I was there, and when I saw how it worked, I wanted to arrange the same here. We also call the village European Vaseniće,” says Ćolović.
At the entrance to the village, a beautiful viewpoint has been arranged with a view of Lake Gazivode, which, as he states, Semir designed and built himself in just one month with the help of neighbors and relatives.
“For the first ten days, neighbors and brotherhood helped, then I finished the smaller works myself. Tourists now come here from all parts of Serbia, and increasingly from abroad – Poland, Romania, and even from European Union countries. Recently, Poles were here, a family from Romania… everyone is delighted because they didn’t expect such tidiness in a village,” he points out.
The viewpoint, which is a minute away from the main road to Kosovo and Montenegro, has become an unavoidable point on the tourist map of this region. As Ćolović says, visitors have no obligations other than not leaving trash.
“Nothing is charged, everything is free. They have barbecues, swings, benches for sitting, a view that rests the soul… they just need to pick up their trash. With us, the rule is – cleanliness is half of faith.”
Semir emphasizes that behind every success lies persistence and love for one’s homeland.
“Even as a boy of 17, I had a desire for my village to become organized and European. I worked tirelessly, every day of the year, not only on tidiness but also when people call for anything – I’m there. I have the support of the diaspora, the city of Novi Pazar, and I am grateful to everyone for their help. They send donations, and I immediately turn them into deeds – nothing remains undone.”
Today, Veseniće has about 500 inhabitants and 40 households. Although about 50% of the locals have gone abroad, many regularly help the village.
“Those who went to Europe have not forgotten their homeland; they follow everything, call, donate. And I implement everything immediately – they donate today, tomorrow it’s already set up. Every person should thank God in the morning for being alive, and in the evening ask themselves if they did something today for their place and their people. Only then can we move forward,” said this great local.
His idea was supported by friends and neighbors, and everyone proudly talks about their village, which is the most beautiful in the world to them, and everyone who visits it is always delighted.
“Earlier, before there were signs, traffic accidents happened because cars collided, but now that has significantly decreased, and there haven’t been accidents for a long time. This place is not just for physical rest – the soul also rests here. I have come here with my family many times; people come with their families, enjoying the view of Lake Gazivode. It’s interesting that tourists also come here – I often meet campers from all over Europe, with license plates from Slovakia, Ukraine, and many other countries. They stay for two or three days, camp in mobile homes, and enjoy nature,” said Dževad Prelević.
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Source: Blic, Photo: RINA