A dramatic clash between desperate local residents and institutional authorities shook the Dobrich region. Three villages - Altsek, Hitovo, and Vodnyantsi - became the epicenter of a civic protest against chronic water shortage, which has paralyzed their daily lives.
With a human chain, demonstrators blocked heavy traffic in the center of Hitovo, turning their discontent into a strong public signal. The mayor of Altsek, Akif Salim, firmly stated: "Since 2019, when I took office, not a single house has received water supply. The situation is more than critical!"
Local residents describe extremely difficult daily challenges. Kindergarten director Veneta Stefanova shares that since April they have not had a drop of water, and are forced to rely on mineral water and external deliveries.
73-year-old Nedzhe Rifat emotionally describes her struggle: "Buying pumps is expensive, and waiting for a water truck is exhausting. For older people, this is a real ordeal".
Dobrich Municipality Mayor Sonya Georgieva acknowledged systemic problems in water supply. "Local solutions are insufficient - we stop pumps, save electricity, but there is no long-term strategy," she commented.
Protesters are adamant - if their demands are not heard, they will undertake a new blockade at the end of the month, this time using agricultural machinery.
The municipality declares readiness to help solve the problem, but Water and Sewerage - Dobrich has not yet presented a specific plan for permanently overcoming the water crisis.
The situation raises serious questions about water resource management and institutional responsibility in the region. Local residents insist on immediate action and transparency from responsible institutions.
The protest becomes a symbol of civic resistance against systemic infrastructure problems that threaten the normal functioning of rural communities.