site.btaEmergency Measures in Pleven to Show Results in September

The first tangible results from the emergency measures addressing the water shortage in Pleven are expected in September, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works said on Friday after a meeting between Minister Ivan Ivanov, Deputy Minister Veselina Terziyska, and the management of Bulgarian Water and Sewerage Holding EAD.

The company reported recent activities, including identifying three sections with significant water loss. Repairs by Pleven's Water Supply and Sewerage Department are already underway on one, water and sewerage teams from other regions will join efforts on the second on Sunday, and funding for the third has been secured through an agreement between the Regional Ministry and the Pleven Municipality. All existing water catchments and boreholes have been cleaned, and work is ongoing to channel additional water from the Dubnishka Bara river. 

Nearly 100 inspections were carried out last week, uncovering six illegal connections. Fifteen water tankers have been deployed, seven in the city and eight in nearby villages. Talks are also underway with a local military unit to access their water sources. Eleven additional potential water sources have been identified, with drilling set to begin next week. The Pleven water utility will also donate hydrophore systems to schools and hospitals.

The Ministry and the Holding will continue providing technical and financial support in coordination with the municipal authorities and the regional crisis task force.