The European Commission (EC) has confirmed that it will give the go-ahead to projects in the water sector under the Operational Program (OP) for the Environment, said Environment and Waters Minster Djevdet Chakurov in Varna on Monday.

The Minister broke ground for a sewerage network and a collector system with an existing water treatment plant in Beloslav, Varna Region, worth 21.7 million leva, provided under the OP for the Environment. Later in the day Chakurov broke ground for a pump station which will be built in the Asparouhovo neighborhood in Varna. The project is worth 6.2 million euro.

Over 85 per cent of municipalities in Bulgaria have applied with projects under the Operational Program for the Environment, Chakurov said in Beloslav. He said mayoralties are extremely active, and 30 million leva has been provided in advance payments under the program.

Water infrastructure projects submitted under the OP for the Environment are being evaluated. According to Chakurov, the EC is expected to approve projects for integrated water cycle management in Vratsa and Gabrovo. With these two approved projects in the water sector will add up to 1,000 million leva.

The Minister also said that all funds under the EU pre-accession instrument for environment and transport infrastructure ISPA are being utilized.

He said that 507 million leva has been absorbed under the ISPA program. The projects are for improving air purity, waste treatment and in the water sector. Chakurov said that a few days ago he signed the last procedure under the program. The project has to do with Sofia's water cycle and is worth 17.1 million leva.

Some 22 million euro, still unused, would also be utilized.

Chakurov said that the building of water treatment plants along the Black Sea coast remains a priority for his Ministry. Eighty-seven such facilities are needed, including 50 which need to be built and 37 to be rehabilitated.

Source: BTA