site.btaRegional Development Minister: Much of Bulgaria's Water and Sewerage Infrastructure Is Highly Run-Down and Often Breaks Down

The problems that follow climate change are becoming more and more tangible for all citizens and require adequate and timely measures to be taken by the competent institutions, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Ivanov said during a hearing in parliament on Thursday. The factors underlying the current situation are complex, he said, pointing out that on the one hand much of the water and sewerage infrastructure is heavily run-down and frequently breaks down, and on the other - climate change is increasingly felt, manifested in longer periods of drought and drying up of water sources, followed by periods of intense rainfall and flooding.

Increased seasonal consumption, including the use of potable water for non-potable purposes, ageing water supply infrastructure lead to the need to limit water consumption. Other reasons for the disruption of water supply to settlements are related to the difficult terrain through which water supply pipelines pass and the increased time required to fix water supply breakdowns, the minister said.

He recalled that for the period 2025-2028, the Regional Development Ministry has proposed to invest funds to finance surveys, studies, design and execution of construction works at several major sites.