site.btaPM Zhelyazkov Backs Pleven Water Overhaul Amid Crisis

Pleven Municipality will revisit all proposals under its investment programme, with full political backing from the government to restructure them primarily towards water and sewer infrastructure, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said at the start of the cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Pleven Municipal Council convenes an extraordinary session on Wednesday over the water crisis, with a single agenda item: electing a temporary crisis committee on water supply.

Across the country, water scarcity has affected wide areas this summer. Data published by the Green Movement showed 458 settlements with rationed supply, while Regional Development Minister Ivan Ivanov said in late July that 162,000 people were affected, with 10 cities and 183 villages facing shortages. Ivanov cited lack of rainfall, damaged infrastructure and polluted sources as key factors.

On August 14, the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission launched an inspection of water utilities nationwide, focusing on network losses, zoning, metering efficiency and investment activity in regional capitals. The regulator said a report will follow after the review.

Pleven, the largest city hit by the crisis, has faced drastic rationing since early July and protests outside City Hall on Sunday. Mayor Valentin Hristov said a partial state of emergency is under consideration. On Monday, Pleven Water and Sewerage Company Manager Kliment Todorov said projects worth nearly BGN 40 million will be implemented to improve supply, including replacement of ageing distribution pipes and a cast-iron main, with work expected to begin in September after permitting.

Elsewhere, residents of Breznik protested on Friday over a partial state of emergency and poor water quality from the Krasava Reservoir, where elevated manganese levels were measured. A prayer for rain was offered in Stakevtsi near Belogradchik in early August. Rationing began in Zgorigrad village due to drought, restrictions were introduced in settlements in Sevlievo and Gabrovo municipalities, and night-time rationing was imposed in the village of Valchan Dol and in Rudozem’s Vazrazhdane district.