New tension in Plovdiv due to the construction of a housing cooperative in the immediate vicinity of the banks of the Maritsa River. Despite the intervention of a number of institutions, including the referral of the prosecutor's office, the construction continues.
Locals want more transparency and judicial control over construction in an area with a risk of flooding and near the river, novini.bg pointed out.
Local residents announced that they will resort to extreme measures. They plan to block the intersection of Blvd. „Bulgaria“ and St. „Dinko Dermendzhiev“ on April 23 between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The reason - lack of reaction from the institutions and a feeling that the problem is being neglected.
“We want transparency and real judicial control. We are worried that the terrain may collapse or the river may overflow“, protesters said. According to them, construction in such an area poses a serious risk not only to the environment, but also to the safety of people and nearby homes.
Citizens also express doubts about the legality of the project, although the investor and the construction supervision claim that all documents are in order. “Everything may be legalized, but that does not mean that it is legal“, commented one of the residents of the area, referring to controversial documentation and possible gaps in procedures.
Additional tension is also created by the contradictory positions of the institutions. On the one hand, it is claimed that there is no ecological corridor in the area, and on the other - that the area falls within the scope of “Natura 2000“, although without direct protection. Residents insist that such a biocorridor exists and must be respected.
The dissatisfaction is also directed at the local authorities. Some of the protesters are demanding their resignations, accusing the institutions of inaction and even corruption. According to them, the construction is another example of overdevelopment and neglect of the public interest.
For their part, after an inspection by the Directorate for National Construction Control, it was found that there were no violations and the construction meets the legal requirements. However, this does not calm the tension on the ground.
Residents state that the protest is only the first step and if they are not heard, they are ready to continue their civil disobedience. At the same time, they are also calling on politicians to intervene and conduct an on-site inspection.