I call on the deputies to reject the texts on the so-called water meter fee from the draft Water and Sewerage Act. This was stated by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov in Bolyarovo today.
He reminded that the bill has been prepared for several years by different governments, but is being submitted now, since its adoption is a condition for the third payment under the Recovery and Sustainability Plan, BNT pointed out.
„This is the only circumstance now for us to comment on the law and for it to be submitted by the Council of Ministers to the National Assembly. I have never supported the so-called water meter fee and I call on the members of parliament to reject it, as well as other texts, since they were not well thought out when the bill was written, and now they are causing controversy“, emphasized Minister Ivanov.
He expressed hope that the members of parliament would show reason and, after debate, come up with a new law that benefits citizens, municipalities and water and sewerage operators, because their interests must be combined. The minister explained that the idea of a water meter fee was to introduce a mechanism for maintaining water supply systems by analogy with the electricity grid, for which a fee is due.
„However, this is obviously not understood and no compensatory mechanism has been found, at least in these texts of the law, as is the case with the electricity grid, where in the event of a lack of quality or interruption of service, consumers receive compensation“, he further commented.
Ivanov added that if the parliamentarians find an opportunity for such a balance, they can accept it.
„We have fulfilled our commitment - to submit the law so as not to lead to a punitive procedure by the European Commission. From now on, everything is in the hands of the National Assembly. We must have a Water Supply and Sewerage Act, because this is a condition under the Recovery and Sustainability Plan“, Ivan Ivanov was categorical.
In response to a question about the illegally constructed sites in the resort “Elenite“ the minister announced that the DNSK has issued an act establishing illegal construction.
“I was on site and personally saw that something outrageous was done in Elenite. My colleagues from the DNSK have always done their job impartially and professionally. I support them in this case to continue in the same way. All actions based on the findings have been carried out and presented to the public. There is a deadline for announcing the act, which has been running since yesterday. All affected persons have the right to object. Then a demolition order is issued, which comes into force after the deadline and is subject to appeal in court“, Ivanov explained.
He called for a quick and objective investigation to identify the officials who allowed illegal construction in the riverbed that caused the disaster.
“The deadline is 14 days, in which all affected persons can submit their opinions. In my opinion, the illegally constructed riverbed of the Drashtela River should be demolished because it caused the flood there. This is the finding of the DNSK. The owners must seek compensation from those who built, sold or allowed this to happen in the river“, the minister said.
Regarding the cleanup of the damage from the disaster, the minister reminded that the property is 100% private property, including the streets, water supply, sewage and electricity networks.
“To date, there is no legal basis for the state to carry out such activities there. Aid has been provided - water for the residents of Elenite, technical support for the victims, as well as funds for the families of the deceased“, he pointed out.
“I express my sympathy for all the victims, but we must think to what extent activities that endanger human lives can be carried out. If this disaster had happened during the active tourist season, there would not have been four victims“, the minister added.
Minister Ivanov announced that the inspections of the DNSK along the Black Sea Coast continue and if other constructions built in riverbeds are identified, the necessary actions will be taken.
The regional minister also stressed the importance of adopting a state budget for next year in order to have funds for road infrastructure. In early 2026, a public tender will be announced to select a contractor to widen the road to the Lesovo border crossing to four lanes. By the start of actual construction activities, the road will be maintained and asphalted, and the most difficult sections will be brought into a form that ensures safe traffic.