site.btaSofia Inspectorate Says Street Washing Properly Carried Out Across Capital

Sofia streets are washed according to approved schedules and using different methods depending on pavement type, traffic conditions and the specifics of each area, the Sofia Inspectorate said on Wednesday in response to social media posts questioning the quality of the cleaning work.

The inspectorate stressed that street washing is part of the city's regular cleaning activities and is carried out both during the day and at night, depending on traffic arrangements. Under new five-year contracts, tankers equipped with nozzles operate at pressures of over 15 bar to improve cleaning efficiency without damaging road surfaces or compromising traffic safety, it said. The inspectorate added that streets are washed monthly with hose-equipped tankers and twice a month with nozzle systems, while lower pressure is used on paved streets.

The inspectorate also said videos and photos shared online often show only part of the process and may create the false impression that streets are merely being watered. It noted that parked cars prevent thorough cleaning, which is why Sofia Municipality carries out phased washing after temporarily clearing streets and organizing traffic. So far, nearly 60 street sections in central boroughs have been cleaned.

The Sofia Inspectorate said it monitors contractors throughout the process and only pays for work that has been properly completed. It added that cleaning companies have been fined more than EUR 300,000 for poor performance or failure to meet requirements in 2026.