(ANSA) - BELGRADE - The first stone at the construction site of 'Belgrade Waterfront' was laid yesterday. 'Belgrade Waterfront' is the great urban project (3.5 billion euros) envisaging the construction of a vast, futuristic complex along the banks of the river Sava, which flows through the Serbian capital along with the Danube.

The ceremony was attended by Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Mohammed Alabbar, managing director of Eagle Hills, company based in Abu Dhabi, which funds a large part of the project, along with some Serbian companies. At least 50% of the whole project will be completed within 20 years, whereas full implementation is expected within 30 years.

The plan, strongly supported by the government led by Vucic, has sparked protests and discontent among environmentalist organizations and movements, who fear the devastation of a large part of the natural habitat along the two major rivers in Belgrade. (ANSA).