Water Crisis in Bulgaria: Half a Million People Without Access to Water

Bulgaria is facing a critical water crisis that directly affects half a million people, it was revealed at an extraordinary meeting of the Committee on Environment and Waters in the National Assembly. Amid rising tension and mutual accusations between the main political forces, the parliamentary group of the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF) announced its unconditional support for any decision that would ease the lives of the affected citizens.

One of the strongest messages at the meeting came from Husni Adem of the ARF, who sharply criticized the approach to the serious situation.

"Every action to solve the problem of water scarcity for these 500,000 people will be supported by the parliamentary group of the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms", he stated. Adem expressed his perplexity about the sudden presentation of the proposals in the plenary hall. "The problem is very serious and I don't understand why our proposal is given to us in the hall to read on the fly", the MP commented, emphasizing the need for in-depth work rather than hasty actions.

In the corridors of the National Assembly, as tension visibly rose, Adem did not hide his disappointment at the politicization of the crisis. He said he would support all three draft resolutions submitted to the committee but expressed deep regret that parties like GERB and PP-DB are directing their efforts toward mutual accusations instead of seeking viable solutions for the people.

"It is a great shame for GERB and PP-DB to blame each other and politicize this, after half a million people have no water when they go to take a shower", Adem said. His words echoed as a call for responsibility and a focus on citizens, not on party interests.

The ARF MP also pointed out specific problems in water resource management that are likely contributing to the current crisis.

"Apparently, there is no good management for this water to go from point A to reach point B - the user", he noted, explaining that the lack of effectiveness in the system leads to huge losses. According to him, nearly 70% of the water is lost before it even reaches the end consumer. Husni Adem also questioned the lack of discussions on water conservation measures, as well as the possibilities for utilizing purified wastewater for irrigation. "No one mentioned what actions we will take to save water and for that wastewater treatment plants to be used for irrigation after they purify the water", he concluded, emphasizing the need for a long-term vision and strategies for water resource management in the country.