site.btaRegional Development Minister: We Are in Final Stretch of Groundlaying Reform in Water Sector

Regional Development  Minister: We Are in Final Stretch  of Groundlaying Reform in Water Sector

Sofia, December 12 (BTA) -  Addressing a forum on EU 2014-2020 programming period and municipalities, Regional Development Minister Liliyana Pavlova said that groundlaying the reform of the water sector is in the final stretch.

Pavlova forecast that the preparations will finish in January and then the implementation will begin. Some of the steps taken include an independent water regulator, new pricing ordinance, legislative amendments, preparing master plans, singing contracts with the water associations, and assisting regional investment planning, efficiency, management and institutional capacity in the water sector. The Minister said that the implementation of reforms in the water sector is a prerequisite to tap EU funds under the new Operational Programme for Environment.

The Smolyan Municipality will be the first to receive financing under the new OP with Sofia far along in the process and another 14 municipalities that have reformed and consolidated.