Improvement of the WSS infrastructure, customer service, reduction of the water losses and investment in ecology and clean air are among the main objectives in the new business plan of Sofiyska Voda for the period 2016-2021. It has been elaborated in accordance with the provisions of the regulatory framework in Bulgaria, but the water supply operator has set many priorities related not only to the provision of quality services and excellent potable water, but also to the maintenance of the city cleaner, more modern, declared the Executive Director of Sofiyska Voda AD Arnaud Valleteau before Bloomberg TV.
According to his words one Sofia resident consumes around 4 m3 per month, which means that the sum paid for water is around BGN 7.30 with VAT. “Based on our proposals, this sum will be increased by around BGN 1.30” explained Valleteau.
Since 2011 the company has invested BGN 240 M in its activity. The company will continue to invest at the same rate, as it is planning nearly BGN 200 M in the next 5 years for this vital service. The investments are extremely important, as only the WSS network in Sofia is 6500 km long and it requires considerable funds for maintenance and improvement. Apart from that we maintain two big city and two more potable water treatment plants, another one – in Kubratovo, for wastewater; we have 64 reservoirs.
Since 2011 the water losses in the network of Sofia have been reduced by more than 55 mln. m3, which is equal to the annual consumption of a city with population of 800,000 residents. The company has set as an objective to lower the losses by another 20 mln. in the next 5-year period. The creation of a mobile center for visiting the residential areas close to Sofia is envisaged, the introduction of a toll-free number for customer service and many other improvements”, added Valleteau.
The quality of the water in Sofia is one of the highest in Europe. According to a survey, which is done every year with Alpha research, the level of customers’ satisfaction is increasing and is also very high – 76%, stated also the executive director of Sofiyska Voda.
Maintaining the capital clean and reducing the ecological impact remains one of the main objectives of the company. Each year, with the utilization of the biogas produced in the processes of the wastewater treatment plant in Kubratovo Sofiyska Voda saves the release of more than 100,000 tons of carbon emissions and produces more than 20 gigawatts of green energy.
You may see the whole interview on the website of Bloomberg TV Bulgaria.