The Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Kaja Shukova, made a working visit to the municipality of Strumica, during which she and the mayor, Kostadin Kostadinov, discussed the challenges that the municipality faces in the area of environment protection and the support that the MOEPP can offer in the efficient realization of the set goals.
Mayor Kostadinov informed about the systematic approach of the municipality in overcoming the challenges in the various environmental medias, above all in reducing air pollution and the vision of the municipality of Strumica becoming the first municipality in the Balkans with fully electrified public transport, for which the procurement of 19 electric buses is planned, then laying the foundation for bicycle infrastructure because among the citizens there is a developed culture of using the bicycle as a means of transportation, the activities for establishment of the waste management system through the support of the MOEPP and other donors, as well as solving problems in the area of water supply, drainage and wastewater treatment.
Minister Shukova, expressing satisfaction with the municipality’s systematic approach in dealing with environmental problems, pointed out that it is for this reason that the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning recognizes the municipality of Strumica as a municipality that is ready to apply for available investment funds. Namely, the municipality of Strumica has prepared quality documentation and has applied to receive funds through the Water Program and the Environmental Investment Program for 2023 of the MOEPP. Also, the Ministry will take into account and consider the possibilities to support the activities for the electrification of public transport by providing financial means for additional equipment needed for the system to be operational and to support the project for the installation of a filter station for drinking water for Bansko in the budget for 2024. Minister Shukova announced that in the area of waste management, in addition to the provision of containers for the collection and selection of waste, with the loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the Southeast and Vardar regions, the regional sanitary dumpsite will be built in the municipality of Vasilevo, which will meet the high European standards. The municipality is also ready to solve the problem of water supply and sewage disposal in the municipality in the inhabited place Murtino through the loan from the European Investment Bank.