Bulgarian Ministry audits water sector and develops infrastructure map

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works is launching a comprehensive audit of the country’s water and sanitation (ViK) sector. The ministry is developing a national interactive digital map to track infrastructure conditions, water losses, recurring accidents, and the financial status of operators. This tool aims to prioritize future investments based on technical risk and actual necessity rather than project readiness alone.

Regional Minister Ivan Shishkov has also initiated an investigation into the financial management of state-owned water companies. He has requested detailed information on all contracts, including electricity procurement, to identify potential financial ‘leaks’ and inefficient spending. Shishkov announced that data regarding identified issues within the ‘Bulgarian Water Holding’ system will be made public on August 20.

Deputy Minister Pavleta Pelovska described the current state of the water sector as ‘pre-infarction,’ warning that critical supply pipelines are in such poor condition that thousands of people risk losing access to water during major accidents.