site.btaPleven Residents Hold Second Protest over Water Shortage


The second protest this summer against water shortages took place in Pleven on Sunday, as residents gathered outside the Water Utility Company to express dissatisfaction over severe restrictions that provide water for only three hours each morning and evening. The demonstration later moved towards the Town Hall building.
Participants threw empty water bottles, large containers, and other rubbish at the entrance to the Water Utility Company building. The protest then proceeded towards the Town Hall building.
As BTA previously reported, the first protest this summer against the water restrictions and shortages in Pleven and surrounding settlements took place last Sunday.
Water supply issues led to protests in Pleven last year, starting in early December. A total of nine protests took place in Pleven at the end of last year and the beginning of this year. During each protest, the Sofia-Ruse road near the Yasen village junction was briefly blocked.
The Pleven local utility company plans BGN 40 million in works to replace ageing distribution pipes and install a cast-iron main, with construction targeted for September; the Municipality is reprogramming investments toward water and sewer upgrades and has set up an ad hoc crisis committee. The cabinet ordered feasibility studies for a Cherni Osam reservoir, treatment plant and main pipeline, while Parliament’s Committee on the Environment is drafting urgent measures and the regulator is inspecting utilities. Nationally, 260,868 people in 16 towns and 283 villages face disruptions (NGOs cite 430,000 under declared rationing); drinking-water dams are 65.48% full and the Environment Minister says human consumption is not at critical risk.
/KT/
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