site.btaGovernment Plans New Enterprise As Owner Responsible for Dams

Sofia, March 14 (BTA) - The Government intends to establish an enterprise to which the responsibility for dams that cannot be managed will be transferred with the agreement of the relevant municipalities. The aim is for this enterprise to be responsible for the repair and maintenance of the dams, Economy Minister Emil Karanikolov told journalists at the Council of Ministers Wednesday. In his opinion, this will mean that the point where funds for maintenance are lacking will be avoided.

It has also been suggested that a fund to generate funding from both the budget and the economic activity of all dams may be established. This fund will raise finances for the repairs, the Economy Minister added.

The Economy Minister went on to say that revisions to the Waters Act were put forward at a meeting of the Council of Ministers earlier on Wednesday. These revisions will categorise dams in Bulgaria as large and small, as well as the requirements for their maintenance. They will also obligate owners and operators to draw up emergency plans.