site.btaOmbudsman Proposes Legislative Amendments on Water Price Fixing

111 POLITICS-OMBUDSMAN-WATER-LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS

Ombudsman Proposes
Legislative Amendments
on Water Price Fixing


Sofia, January 15 (BTA) - Ombudsman Maya Manolova has sent a proposal for legislative amendments on water price fixing to the ministers of regional development and labour and social policy. The proposals were drawn up after a public consultation in the northeastern town of Shoumen on the price of water across the country.

The Ombudsman calls for changes to the Water Supply and Sewerage Services Act which will guarantee the rights and economic interests of customers. According to Manolova, the increase of the prices of water should be linked to the quality of water supply and the investments made by water operators.

Manolova also urges the Regional Development Ministry to decrease the price of water in Shoumen Region as the state holds a 51 per cent stake in the local water utility. Manolova has addressed the request also to the municipalities which hold stakes in the water operator.

Manolova has proposed to the Labour Minister legislative changes for social assistance to low income persons. Manolova suggests allowances, a ban to cut off water supply over unpaid bills, cancelling of outstanding bills and lower rates for poorer customers.

On Tuesday, Manolova attended administrative proceedings against a decision of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission to approve the business plan of the Sofia Water Utility for 2017-2021 and the water prices in 2018-2021. LI/PP