The case of the pollution of the water supply network in Gostivar is a serious incident that directly endangered the health of thousands of citizens. I want to make it clear that I expect all facts and circumstances to be fully established, as well as criminal and moral responsibility to be established for all those who, through their actions or inactions, contributed to this situation. When the health of citizens is at risk, there must be no compromises, nor concealment of responsibility, said Macedonian Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning Muamet Hoxha at a press conference Tuesday morning.
As Hoxha stressed before the findings of the Environmental Inspectorate were announced, the institutions are closely monitoring the development of events. He expressed concern for all sick citizens from the Polog region.
The minister also said that the supply of drinking water, the maintenance of water supply systems, the collection and treatment of wastewater are the responsibility of municipalities and public utility companies. Municipalities, he noted, are the first line of responsibility for the safe functioning of these systems, as well as for the establishment and protection of sanitary protection zones around water sources.
