The National Construction Control Directorate (DNCS) and the Agency for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre have identified a total of 370 violations out of the 400 inspections of construction sites located near rivers, ravines, and floodplains across the country.
Construction was not found to have taken place on only about 30 of the inspected properties. Construction on rivers, ravines, and other water bodies has been carried out over the years based on detailed urban plans approved by the mayors of municipalities. A large part of the plans have not been coordinated with the relevant basin directorates or regional inspections for environment and water.
Building permits have been issued without coordination with the relevant directorates. It is a widespread practice for administrative acts not to be announced to regional governors. A large part of the constructions have construction documents, i.e. they are built legally and have been put into operation.
There are also buildings that are operating without being put into operation, as well as buildings without construction documents. In many cases, water bodies do not have clearly defined boundaries, and are not marked as such on the cadastral maps.
The Ministry of Regional Development proposes measures: basin directorates to prepare specialized cadastral maps to define the boundaries of water bodies, to notify municipalities of the boundaries of water bodies and restrictions on ownership. A change to the Water Act is proposed, which would prohibit the placement of buildings and farm buildings in floodplains.