Dimitrov says Pleven ignored water, drained dams dry

Former Environment Minister Emil Dimitrov stated on Sunday that Pleven possesses adequate water resources, but municipal officials neglected infrastructure problems for years. Dimitrov told Bulgarian National Radio that recent rainfall provided 90 percent of the relief from water shortages, while state efforts contributed only 10 percent to ending restrictions. The city relied on the Osam supply system from Lovech and Troyan rather than utilizing the Vit River as its primary source.

Dimitrov explained that officials prioritized dam construction over practical water management strategies. Authorities depleted agricultural reservoirs over three years and drained energy supplies this year through uncontrolled pumping. The Cherni Osam dam holds no significance for Pleven's water needs, and the former minister emphasized that dams require strategic conservation rather than immediate consumption.

Dimitrov attributed Black Sea coastal deaths to inadequate riverbed planning and maintenance failures. Municipalities must clean waterways within settlements, but local governments await disaster funding from Sofia instead of performing routine maintenance. Underground pipes cannot handle flood volumes, and Dimitrov suggested demolishing hotels to create proper drainage channels toward the sea.