Tetovo villages face drinking water ban due to safety concerns

Drinking water consumption has been prohibited in four villages near Tetovo—Reçicë e Vogël, Reçicë e Madhe, Poroj, and Xhepçisht—after analyses by the Public Health Center indicated the water does not meet safety standards.

NPK Sharri, the municipal water utility, clarified that while they do not manage the supply for these specific villages, they are responsible for monitoring and conducting analyses to protect public health. The utility noted that these networks are managed by local community structures and currently lack chlorification. NPK Sharri has advised residents to refrain from using the water for drinking or consumption until further notice from competent authorities.

In response to the ban, Gajur Sinani, the head of the Reçicë e Madhe local community, challenged the findings by drinking a glass of water on camera to calm public anxiety. Sinani stated the water is “as clean as a tear” and expressed a desire to wait for further analysis results, while also questioning the exact locations where the samples were taken.