We are now implementing the policy under the Recovery and Sustainability Plan (RSP). Under these rules, absolutely all Bulgarian municipalities can apply for renovation, when there is an association of owners in one entrance, there is a technical inspection, an energy inspection and according to certain criteria that we have compiled, they are ranked. We have compiled about 306 residential blocks, currently 138 blocks are ranked. 1.134 billion is the grant from Brussels, the VAT is at the expense of the state. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Regional Development Dora Yankova in the program “Face to Face” on bTV.
It was completely free for the people. The projects are divided into two groups – 756 blocks are being renovated 100% free of charge, the remaining 282 projects are 80% free of charge and 20% at the expense of the owners. Under this program, there was a 50:50 risk that the program would be lost, because nothing was done for a whole year. We have unsigned contracts and undeclared public procurements. We had to do a lot of work in the government to save this money, she pointed out.
A second national renovation program in the amount of 2.5 billion leva will be implemented in this budget. Under the Urban Development Plan, those who are ready with projects will be given the opportunity to renovate 100% free of charge by 2029. In parallel, under the socio-climatic plan, there will be resources for the renovation of buildings, which are 1.6 billion gross square meters. The criterion will be that about 75% of people are energy poor. It will also be free, explained Yankova.
According to her, 2022 buildings are under the first program for renovation throughout the country, 138 buildings under the PVU, currently there are more than 300 buildings under the just transition related to the closure of Maritsite. I cannot predict the second program yet, said Dora Yankova.
We have an obligation and have made a commitment to make a National Plan for the Renovation of Housing in Bulgaria by 2050. The state has made a commitment to renovate 60% of the building stock, to obtain better quality and to reduce household bills. There will be many policies here. The program will even reach small settlements. This is a policy of caring for people, explained the Deputy Regional Minister.