Water infrastructure to become public property

Water infrastructure of public interest will become either state or municipal property under the new National Strategy for Water Sector Development. This was approved by lawmakers on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Agriculture will manage artificial lakes used for irrigation and lakes given up by municipalities. The Artificial Lakes and Cascades enterprise will operate all reservoirs providing water for power generation, water supply and everyday household necessities.

Pricing will be based on the principle „one operator, uniform service value“. All prices will be justified and approved by SEWRC.

The former Minister of Environment and Water Dzevdet Chakarov warned that the national strategy will liberate water prices. Chakarov questioned the timing of making room for an increase in the price of water supply given the current situation in Bulgaria, the financial and economic crisis, and precarious social realities.

The Minister of Environment and Water Nona Karadjova cited an opinion poll according to which people are willing, at least in principle, to pay even more for water, so long as the money is spent in a transparent manner and there is a clear plan for service improvement.

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