The Bulgarian city of Pleven has once again been placed under a water regime, as confirmed by the local Water Supply and Sewage company.
The decision has sparked controversy and raised concerns among residents after a public announcement on December 2 had suggested that the restrictions would be lifted.
The move comes amid growing tensions between local authorities and the Water Supply company’s management, with Mayor Dr. Valentin Hristov and other officials calling for accountability.
Effective immediately, water supply will be restricted in Pleven and 14 surrounding settlements, with water being unavailable during two key periods: from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. and again from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This water regime is intended to alleviate ongoing water shortages, but the sudden reversal of the earlier announcement has caused confusion and frustration among residents.
The issue first arose when the Water Supply and Sewage company publicly stated on December 2 that the water regime would be lifted in the presence of the Minister for Regional Development and Public Works.
However, shortly after the announcement, local residents began to report that the water supply would still be limited in the following days, prompting complaints from the public about the continuing inconvenience.
The confusion escalated when it became clear that the water supply would continue to be restricted, despite the earlier assurances.
In response, Mayor Dr. Valentin Hristov demanded an apology from Eng. Kliment Todorov, the manager of the Water Supply company, for the miscommunication and the resulting inconvenience caused to citizens.
Hristov emphasized the importance of transparent communication from the local authorities to maintain public trust, especially when it concerns essential services like water supply.
The situation prompted the Waterworks Holding to initiate an inspection into the actions of Eng. Todorov, who has been in charge of the Water Supply company.
The inspection was launched late yesterday, and shortly thereafter, regional governor Nikolay Abrashev, who also leads the Waterworks Association, called for a thorough review of the situation.
He also requested detailed data on the amounts of water being supplied to the affected areas. In response to the growing pressure, Mayor Hristov called for Todorov’s resignation, further intensifying the scrutiny on the management of the local water supply system.
As the controversy unfolded, the Water Supply and Sewage company announced that chief engineer Mariana Georgieva would temporarily take over the responsibilities of the company’s manager while the ongoing investigation is conducted.
The temporary leadership change is part of efforts to address the situation and restore public confidence in the company’s management of the water supply.
Official notifications about the water regime restrictions have been posted on the Water Supply and Sewage Authority’s website, and all local mayors have been informed.
However, the ongoing water shortage remains a critical issue, and residents are calling for long-term solutions to prevent further disruptions.
The reinstatement of the water regime has once again placed a spotlight on the challenges facing Pleven’s water supply system, underscoring the need for greater transparency and accountability from those responsible for managing essential public services.
As the investigation into the company’s management continues, the citizens of Pleven are left grappling with the impact of the ongoing water shortages.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members