On Wednesday, the first meeting of the National Water Board took place, which was created to coordinate actions to overcome the water crisis and control the implementation of the activities assigned by the National Assembly. The meeting was attended by representatives of the four parliamentary groups supporting the government.
Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov explained that 3.7 billion leva is needed to solve the problem of the outdated water supply network, and for the most urgent activities.
For 2025, the Ministry of Finance has indicated that funds will be allocated for 579 projects worth a total of 775.400 million leva.
By the end of 2027, funding for 1.1 billion leva is planned in the water supply and sanitation sector.
Zafirov emphasized that based on the reports received, the depreciation rates of the water supply network are many times ahead of the rates at which it is being replaced. Only 25% of municipal projects submitted for state funding are for the water and sanitation sector.
He stated that the next budget will propose priority funding for projects affecting the water and sanitation structure.
Opportunities for the Bulgarian Development Bank to be involved in the project financing process were discussed.
Zafirov also indicated that he had assigned the board members to propose representatives for an interdepartmental working group that should review and analyze the legislation and options for resolving the crisis.
The board will meet twice a month.