Bulgarian Town Revolts over 10 Days of Water Shortage

People in the Bulgarian town of Omurtag explain that in the last ten days they had to use water only form cisterns on the street. Photo by BGNES

Disgruntled and outraged residents of the Bulgarian town of Omurtag are going to blockade the main road Sofia - Varna at 12 pm Saturday due to the lack of running water in the city.

A state of emergency was declared on October 10, and since then the persisting lack of water has stretched to the limit the patience of local people. Earlier in the week, they even occupied the City Hall and did not allow its employees to go to work.

People in Omurtag explain that in the last ten days they had to use water only form cisterns on the street and to purchase mineral water to cook and bathe. They, however, say they believe the mayor and town council were not to be blamed for the water crisis.

"The water pipeline is severely depreciated, it has not been maintained by the water company," a local man is quoted in saying.

The prosecution has been alerted about the case. The State has to allocate BGN 4 M to finish the first stage of repairs of the pipeline, and then start the second and eventually Omurtag will have enough water next year.

The Water and Sewage utility, VIK, however, insists they never stopped to repair outdated plumbing.

The Omurtag Mayor has alerted Regional Ministry about problem.

Earlier this week, Plamen Oresharski, Prime Minister in the Socialist-led government, also visited the town and discussed with local authorities the problem of water shortage.

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