The Environment and Waters Ministry is going to present a working programme for each municipality along the Black Sea coast in connection with the construction of wastewater treatment plants there, Environment and Waters Minister Djevdet Chakurov said turning the first sod for a new rainwater drainage system in Karlovo on Monday, the Ministry said in a press release.

The building of wastewater treatment plants in Bulgaria is a key priority for the Environment and Waters Ministry, and the construction of such plants along the Black Sea coast is of particular importance, Chakurov pointed out.

The programmes will be implemented in coordination with the programme for development of agriculture, which allows the financing of water projects carried out in small municipalities.

Chakurov emphasized that 25 wastewater plants should be constructed every year if Bulgaria is to meet its commitments made to the European Union in regard to water management.

Funds for improving water services in this country are also provided by the Enterprise for Environmental Conservation Activities.

The Karlovo project, the implementation of which started on Monday, includes new water mains, a rainwater drainage system and pavement of streets in the town's Iztok residential district. Its cost is 1,800,000 leva. The project is financed by the Enterprise for Environmental Conservation Activities, which provided 800,000 leva for its first stage.