site.btaPrime Minister: Government Offered Sofia Municipality Assistance to Overcome Waste Crisis

 “We have offered the Sofia Municipality state assistance with equipment and solutions to help overcome the waste crisis,” said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov on Thursday, following a meeting with Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev. 

“Waste has no political color, and no political gains can be drawn from it,” Zhelyazkov stated. “Waste means pollution, and pollution also contaminates the political environment,” he added. The Prime Minister said he had offered help to address the immediate situation, and that Mayor Terziev assured him that he has a clear plan and is capable of handling the crisis. 
Justice Minister Georgi Georgiev will coordinate the efforts, Zhelyazkov said. He praised the municipality’s readiness and determination to deal with the problem. 

“We are making it very clear that the state will participate by providing the necessary cooperation to resolve this issue,” said Rosen Zhelyazkov. 
Earlier in the day, the Sofia Municipal Council approved a report submitted by Mayor Vasil Terziev, granting consent for the municipal company Sofekostroy EAD to use its own and borrowed funds up to BGN 9 million (including VAT) - to purchase specialized equipment needed to address the waste crisis in the capital. The report was adopted unanimously. 

As of October 4, a new temporary waste collection arrangement has been implemented in the Sofia districts of Lyulin and Krasno Selo, after the Municipality refused to sign a contract with the sole remaining bidder in the public procurement procedure for waste management services. 
“The Sofia Municipality cannot solve the waste problem alone. We need a functioning state and institutions that act promptly, predictably, and with courage,” said Mayor Vasil Terziev earlier in the day.