Significant losses and unmaintained water supply networks and facilities are among the main reasons for water shortage. This was said by Iliyana Todorova, Director of the Water Management Directorate at the Ministry of Environment and Water. She participated at the Forum for Sustainable Solutions and Zero Waste “0 WASTE”, organized by the Mate Kitchen Foundation.

According to Iliyana Todorova, despite the influence of climate factors, currently the country’s total water resources are sufficient to secure consumption. “However, it is undeniable that the significant waste of this valuable natural resource as a result of losses can exacerbate the problem of securing the resource in the future. This requires urgent measures to rehabilitate the infrastructure so as to reduce losses,” said Todorova.

The development of a Drought Plan with measures aimed at reducing the impact of climate change is foreseen. Under the Environment Program 2021-2027, funding in the amount of 1.4 billion BGN has been allocated to measures in accord with the National Investment Plan for Water and Sanitation. The Enterprise for Management of Environmental Protection Activities has provided 84 million BGN for the period 2022-2024 in grant aid to municipalities for water and sanitation projects.

Participants at the forum included Ivelina Vasileva from the Mission for the Protection of the Ocean, Seas and Inland Waters to the EC, the Deputy Mayor of Sofia Nikola Barbutov, and representatives of the private sector.