Lake Vokavovic is a large freshwater lake located in the western district of Zahodecelska (District VIII), near the border with the Republic of Kaskiv. It is the second-largest body of water in the Divine Republic of Kresimiria.
The lake serves as the economic and cultural heart of the district. It acts as a critical dual-purpose resource: its northern shores support a heavy industrial zone centered on the city of Cetingrad, while its southern and western shores are renowned for their scenic beauty, serving as a major domestic tourist destination and the center of the region’s fishing industry.
Geography and Hydrology
Lake Vokavovic is of glacial origin, situated in a valley between the foothills of the Viskogorje range and the western plains. It is fed by the Voka River and several mountain streams.
The lake is characterized by a distinct north-south divide:
- The Industrial North: The northern coast is dominated by the city of Cetingrad. The shoreline here has been heavily modified with concrete embankments, docks, and intake pipes to service the massive steelworks and factories owned by Maj Holdings.
- The Scenic South: The southern and western shores remain largely undeveloped and forested. This area features pebble beaches, clear waters, and small fishing villages that swell with visitors during the summer months.
Economy
Fishing
The lake is home to the Vokavovic Carp, a staple of the Kresimirian diet. The commercial fishing industry employs thousands of locals and is organized into several large cooperatives. The catch is processed in Cetingrad and transported nationwide via Republic Rail. In recent years, the Council for Growth and Agriculture has imposed strict quotas to prevent overfishing.
Tourism
Lake Vokavovic is popularly known as the “Blue Jewel of the West.” It is a favored vacation spot for Kresimirian families, particularly those from the landlocked capital of Sinj. The lakeside town of Voka is famous for its resorts, boat rentals, and summer festivals. The lake is also a popular destination for recreational angling and sailing.
Industry
The lake provides essential water for industrial cooling processes at the Maj Steel foundries in Cetingrad. Additionally, a small hydroelectric dam on the Voka River outflow contributes to the district’s energy grid, managed by National Energy.
Environmental Concerns
The dual usage of the lake has led to significant environmental and political tension.
- Pollution: Industrial runoff from the Cetingrad steelworks has historically plagued the water quality in the northern sector. In the 1990s, fish stocks plummeted due to heavy metal contamination.
- Political Conflict: This environmental degradation has fueled a long-standing conflict between the Northern Power party, which champions the rights of fishermen and the tourism sector, and Vjetrusa, which represents the industrial interests of Maj Holdings and the factory workers.
Following the 1998 Cetingrad Steelworks Incident, stricter environmental regulations were passed by the Assembly, leading to a gradual improvement in water quality, though illegal dumping remains a reported issue.