site.btaAround 160,000 People Currently Affected by Water Shortages, Says Environmental Committee Chair Mladen Shishkov

Approximately 160,000 people in Bulgaria are currently affected by water shortages, said on Monday Mladen Shishkov, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Water and Head of the Temporary Committee tasked with investigating all facts and circumstances related to the water crisis in the country.

He spoke during a discussion panel on measures and solutions to slow down climate change and how to save water at the Annual Meeting of Local Authorities, organized by the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB), held at the Albena resort complex.

According to Shishkov, 2.5% of Bulgaria's population is currently affected by water scarcity, based on official data from the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. At its height about three weeks ago - before the heavy rains - the number of affected people reached 310,000, or just under 5% of the population, he noted. Globally, around 3.2 billion people suffer from water shortages, according to UN data, he added.

Shishkov emphasized that Bulgaria has enough water resources, but they must be managed properly.

One of the main reasons for the problem, he said, is fragmentation - in legislation, ownership, management, and accountability. “At the moment, this is the key reason Bulgaria is on the list of countries struggling with water shortages,” he explained. This is a longstanding inherited problem that has grown exponentially over the years.

He acknowledged that climate change is another contributing factor but stressed that it should not be used as a blanket excuse. “Climate change is real, and we are obliged to adapt to it as quickly as possible,” the MP said.

Another major issue identified is the outdated infrastructure. According to Shishkov, about 65% of the current water network consists of asbestos-cement pipes, and around 15% is made of steel - meaning 80% of the system is obsolete.

He also pointed out reduced flow rates of water sources as a growing concern. “Naturally, we have issues with management as well,” he added, noting that many water utility companies are facing administrative challenges.

Finally, Shishkov also highlighted the culture of water consumption in Bulgaria as an important factor that needs to be addressed.