site.btaWater Emergency Plan Launched in Pernik in Prime Minister's Presence

December 30 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov observed the launch of a water emergency plan in Pernik on Monday. The plan involves building a principal water pipeline as an alternative to one of the branches of the local water supply system, repairing the existing water treatment plant and building a new one, and replacing critical sections of the water and sewerage systems, Borissov said.

He noted: "There is no politics here. We have an interest in solving the crisis in the best possible way. Every day matters. We are working hard." The central government will provide all possible support, the Prime Minister went on to say. He expects that by the end of business on Monday, Pernik Municipality will prepare all necessary documents to make financial aid from the central government possible.

Economy Minister Emil Karanikolov said that three machines which have been working on the town's water supply network for three days have reduced water losses by 20 per cent. Karanikolov sees two options for dealing with the water crisis in Pernik, each of which involves building new infrastructure that could cost between 2.2 million and 3.1 million leva, pre-VAT.

Prime Minister Borissov remarked: "The area around the Stomana steel works is like a quagmire, a swamp, the water is flowing straight into the ground." He called for an investigation into what has happened with the local industrial zone since 1990, particularly the way in which the Republika Thermal Power Plant was privatized.

Borissov advised all water and sewerage companies in Bulgaria to take measures to avoid possible water problems. Every town can count on support from the central government, but no alert has come from any mayor yet, he said.

Deputy Regional Development and Public Works Minister Nikolai Nankov said that 1.5 billion leva in EU funding is available during the current programming period which can be used for municipal water supply networks. The money can be used on condition that water and sewerage companies are consolidated, which depends on the local authorities.

Karanikolov and Nankov, as well as Fire Safety and Civil Protection chief Nikolai Nikolov, will stay in Pernik until the first three measures on the emergency plan are fulfilled, the Prime Minister said. RI/VE

/СН/