Surprise Check Finds Rampant Violations at Bulgarian Beaches

Bulgarian Regional Development Minister Lilyana Pavlova (C) during the inspection at one of Bulgaria's southern Black Sea beaches Saturday. Photo by BGNES

A surprise check by the Bulgarian Ministry of Regional Development has found that almost all beaches on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast operate in violation of contracts.

The most prevalent violations include illicit expansion of facilities and areas for paid access, as well as inadequate lifeguard and medical services.

The inspection, led personaly by Bulgarian Regional Development Minister Lilyana Pavlova, has resulted in a massive number of fines.

What is more the operator of the Kavatsite-North beach south off Sozopol will have its concession cancelled over rampant violations.

Lifeguard stations at the beach are lower than required, there is no medical point present, and the area for paid access is both expanded in breach of contract and exploited by a company that has no right to do so.

The beach at another important souther Bulgarian resort, Lozenets, is also operated in violation, with no adequate medial equipment and facilities expanded by some 50% over the contract limit.

"What we have been doing since the start of the season is to check complianche of all 95 beach exploitation contracts in Bulgaria," said Minister Pavlova.

Among the beaches checked Saturday, only the one at Kiten was found to be operating with no contract violations.

She added that inspections are set continue during the ongoing 2012 summer season.

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