Underground Waste Containers at Ilica Entrance Still Under Construction
Works near Ban Jelačić Square have been ongoing for days, sparking heated debates among Zagreb residents and a political clash with the city opposition.
Works near Ban Jelačić Square have been ongoing for days, sparking heated debates among Zagreb residents and a political clash with the city opposition.
The installation of underground waste containers at the very beginning of Ilica Street, just a few meters from Ban Jelačić Square, was still not completed by Wednesday, August 6, 2026. The construction site in the heart of Zagreb has been the subject of intense controversy for days, dividing the public and drawing sharp criticism from the opposition.
Residents have split into two irreconcilable camps. The first, led by lovers of the city's historic skyline, argue that the waste containers mar one of the most beautiful tourist spots in central Zagreb. The second camp emphasizes the necessity of a practical solution, stressing that residents of the city core need a proper place to dispose of waste, rather than leaving the iconic blue ZG bags on the ground in front of building entrances.
The project has escalated into a political conflict of sorts. Ivan Matijević, president of Zagreb's HDZ branch, sharply criticized the city government, claiming that the underground containers will only be accessible to a limited number of private space users with special cards, while other citizens and tourists will be completely unable to use them.
Matijević has demanded that the City explain why, in his view, the interests of a narrow group of private space users have been placed ahead of the public interest and the protection of the historic core of Zagreb's main square. His statement has further heightened tensions around a project that has already sparked numerous controversies.
