Floods in Bulgaria: Minister Genov on Construction

The Minister of Environment and Water, Manol Genov, expressed serious concern regarding the floods affecting a villa area. In an interview with BNT, the minister highlighted the problems related to construction in the vulnerable zone.

"A large part of the river has been built on," stated Minister Genov, describing the situation as extremely alarming. He emphasized that construction on public state property is inadmissible and questioned the manner in which such construction was permitted.

The minister drew attention to the numerous institutions involved in the process of coordinating construction activities. According to data from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW), currently there is only one coordination for construction, dating back to around 2006, concerning the construction of a wastewater treatment plant.

"By this afternoon I expect to receive a report on whether all the sites have been coordinated by the inspectorate and in what way," added the minister, emphasizing the importance of a detailed investigation. He explained that while covering a water body may be permissible by law, construction on that covering is strictly prohibited.

Minister Genov stressed that construction in ravines is absolutely inadmissible, but clarified that he has not yet checked the owners of the properties in the affected area. He expressed the opinion that the institutions have not fulfilled their obligations. "Nature has avenged the greed and irresponsibility," Genov categorically stated.

In response to the events, the Ministry of Environment and Water will carefully review the current legislation. "We will carefully consider whether there are "loopholes" in the Law on Environment and Water and will take measures if there are omissions in it," the minister pointed out.

In addition to these measures, on October 3rd, Minister Genov ordered an inspection by the "Black Sea Region" River Basin Directorate. The purpose of the inspection is to determine whether the investment intentions carried out in the ravine area were coordinated with the River Basin Directorate.