Regional Development and Public Works Ministry Prepares Strategy for Management and Development of Water Supply and Sewerage in Bulgaria

The Regional Development and Public Works Ministry has prepared a strategy for management and development of water supply and sewerage in Bulgaria. The strategy was drafted following an analysis of the present state of the water sector and reflects the trends for its development and the requirements of the European legislation, said Regional Development Minister Valentin Tserovski. The strategy provides for denationalization of the water sector and private sector involvement in its management through all known schemes: service contracts, management contracts, concessions and joint-stock companies, said also Tserovski. The strategy has several main goals, including the creation of conditions for an efficient management of the water sector and for private sector participation while considering the interests of society; improving the quality of water services and achieving the levels and standards of these services in the EU countries. Estimates show that the implementation of the strategy will soak investment of 6,788 million leva until 2015, and 40% of this is expected from private investors. The strategy propose the establishment of an investment fund for water supply. It will allow self-financing of priority projects without requiring central or municipal government financing, as is the case now. Public Relations and International Activity Directorate