The "Knyazhevo - Kopitoto" lift cannot be replaced because there is no legal possibility. The Forestry Act is an obstacle to replacing the facilities of Vitosha and this has been established by the several working groups and round tables convened and composed by the state, which have been held over the past few years. Once again, we are witnessing publications that, in our opinion, are malicious and are made in violation of good journalistic practice, since the opinion of "Vitosha Ski" AD was not sought before their publication. We consider it unnecessary to seek a right of reply. We prefer to present the facts and our position to the media and the public, write from "Vitosha Ski" and add:
1. The lift was stopped back in 1991.
The cable car "Knyazhevo - Kopitoto" was stopped by the Sofia Municipality in 1991 after an accident. Only in 2007 did "Vitosha Ski" AD acquire the company "Vazheni linii", in whose capital this lift is also included.
2. The facility is not subject to ordinary repair
The lift cannot be repaired and restored so that it can again become operational. The facility needs to be completely replaced with a new, modern facility that meets all European safety requirements.
3. The Forestry Act blocks the possibility of replacement
With the adoption of the new Forestry Act in 2011, the possibility of replacing the facility was practically blocked. At all levels in the state, it is abundantly clear that under the current regulatory framework there is no legal possibility to replace this lift, as well as other rope facilities on the territory of the “Vitosha“ Nature Park.
4. The facility is not at risk of self-collapse
We categorically do not accept the claims that the facility is dangerous or at risk of self-collapse. This is confirmed by several surveys carried out by the Sofia Municipality, as well as by the constructive expertise carried out on our initiative. Indeed, the buildings associated with the facility are not well maintained. However, this does not mean that there is an immediate danger of self-collapse.
We are waiting for the moment when the law will allow the facility to be replaced with a new one. We do not accept the results of the inspection being announced in advance.
All insinuations that the facility will be removed because it was dangerous, even before the inspection has been completed, in our opinion, resemble a poorly disguised attempt to put another pressure on the company.
It is even more worrying to suggest in advance what the result of the inspection will be, given that at the same time it is known that under the current regulatory framework “Vitosha Ski“ AD does not have the legal opportunity to replace the facility.
We would like to note that such actions would affect the fundamental constitutional right to property. In case of any attempt to violate it by any state or municipal authority, we will seek our rights under the relevant legal order.
We expect the state to create the necessary conditions
The replacement of the old cable cars on Vitosha is a long-awaited process - both by us and by all people who want the mountain to have a modern, safe and functioning infrastructure. Therefore, we call on the state to create the necessary regulatory conditions for their replacement.
If after the creation of such a regulatory opportunity, “Vitosha Ski“ AD remains inactive, then let the company be criticized. However, we would not accept being attacked for something for which we are not to blame and for which the necessary legal opportunity does not currently exist.
“Vitosha Ski“ AD will continue to defend its rights and interests and will insist on the creation of a clear regulatory framework that would allow the replacement of the old facilities on Vitosha with modern and safe lifts.