Vazrazhdane flows against forced water merger

The Vazrazhdane party has proposed legislative amendments to halt the mandatory consolidation of water utilities into regional operators. Their proposal would restore the right of individual municipalities to choose their own water system managers, aiming to protect municipal property and ensure local control. The party argues that efficient municipal companies should not be forced to merge with financially troubled regional operators, a practice they claim has led to citizen rebellions and higher water prices without corresponding infrastructure investments.

The changes would grant municipal councils greater authority, allowing them to approve business plans, master plans, and influence local infrastructure investments. A significant proposed reform involves implementing a differentiated pricing model based on the water supply method. Vazrazhdane contends that consumers in areas with gravity-fed water should not pay the same rates as those in areas requiring electrically pumped supply, calling the current unified model unfair.

The amendments also introduce stricter operator accountability, mandating compensation for service interruptions exceeding 24 hours and requiring payment exemptions when water quality falls below standards. The party believes these measures will foster more transparent and efficient management of water systems.