Minister Gagauzov Opened a Seminar on the British Model for Work with the Water Regulator

It is of great importance for us to get introduced to the development of the water sector in a country which is not only an EU member but has a significant experience and traditions in the water industry management and regulation, said the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Asen Gagauzov at the opening of a Seminar on “The British Model for Work with the Water Regulator”. Minister Gagauzov pointed out that the realization of important projects is at hand both for the improvement of the condition of the water infrastructure and for the more effective management of the water sector. During this and the last year the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works developed important legislative documents which will have defining importance for the sector in the following years. Basic place among these have the Strategy for Development of the Water Supply and Sewage until 2014 and the Law for Regulation of the Water Supply and Sewage Services. The Strategy defines the main goals and directions for the development of the sector as well as the fulfillment of the engagements related with the accession of Bulgaria to the EU. The Law for Regulation of the Water Supply and Sewage Services which was approved at the beginning of this year defines the basic rules and principles for the economical regulation of the WSS sector and gives legislative framework for the formation of a State body for the realization of the regulative functions. For the drafting of the law we used the experience of the British water sector in the framework of our cooperation with the British Government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Agency for Commerce and Investments and the British Water Association, said in his greeting speech Minister Gagauzov. Public Relations and International Activities Directorate