Advertisement

Updated January 25th, 2020 at 20:08 IST

Bulgarians protest severe water shortage in industrial city

Residents of a Bulgarian city experiencing a severe months-long water shortage gathered in front of the government headquarters Saturday demanding urgent measures to address what they described as a looming humanitarian crisis.

Bulgarians protest severe water shortage in industrial city
| Image:self
Advertisement

Residents of a Bulgarian city experiencing a severe months-long water shortage gathered in front of the government headquarters Saturday demanding urgent measures to address what they described as a looming humanitarian crisis.

Protesters voiced suspicions that bribery and incompetence were behind the water shortage in the industrial city of Pernik. They warned that the reservoir at Studena Dam, the city's only water source, would be empty in two weeks.

The water crisis in Pernik, located 30 kilometers (20 miles) west of Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, peaked in November when local authorities imposed water rationing due to the lack of supplies from the nearby dam.

Earlier this month, Bulgaria's environment minister resigned after he was charged with deliberate mismanagement of water supplies for the city. He could face up to eight years in jail if found guilty of allowing water to go to industrial facilities despite knowing it would jeopardize drinking water supplies for nearly 100,000 people.

Pernik residents who are struggling to get their basic water needs have been protesting the shortages for weeks.

Their anger has been fueled by the city mayor’s decision to cancel a big international dance festival for the first time in six decades because of the water crisis. The festival bring thousands of visitors to Pernik every year and is a major source of revenue for many residents.

The political opposition in Bulgaria's parliament earlier this week filed a motion accusing the government of being responsible for the water crisis. The vote will be held on Wednesday, but will likely fail due to the government’s slim majority in parliament.

Advertisement

Published January 25th, 2020 at 20:08 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir
a few seconds ago
Byju's leadership dispute
a minute ago
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Rajya Sabha MP Keshava Rao is set to join the Congress party.
6 minutes ago
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
9 minutes ago
Sunita Kejriwal urged people to send ‘messages of support’ to Delhi CM
10 minutes ago
Allu Arjun Unveils His Wax Statue At Madame Tussauds In Dubai
11 minutes ago
Piyush Kumar, GATE 2024 CSIT Topper
14 minutes ago
A poster of Crew
16 minutes ago
How to Keep Yourself Safe from Unhealthy Air?
18 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo