SDSM: No expert has explained the real state of Gostivar's water

SDSM criticized the government on Sunday over the prolonged lack of drinkable water in Gostivar, saying that no competent expert has publicly clarified the real status of the water supply despite serious health consequences in the town.

“For more than four weeks Gostivar has been without clean water. More than 4,700 citizens have ended up in hospital. An epidemic of jaundice. And to this day – not a single expert from a competent institution has come forward to tell the public what the real condition of the water is. Not a single official document. Not a single signed expert assessment,” the party said.

Shortly before that statement the party mocked the mix of public figures explaining the crisis, listing names and professions: “Hristijan Mickoski – mechanical engineer, Panche Toshkovski – lawyer, Stojanche Angelov – policeman/specialist. A mechanical engineer, a policeman, a lawyer and an NGO manager are explaining hyperchlorination, pipe cleaning, the jaundice epidemic and the quality of drinking water. This is the face of this Government. Experts for everything. When responsibility must be taken – there is no expert, no institution, no signature,” SDSM added.

What officials have said

Director Stojanche Angelov of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue told the public yesterday that the quality of water in Gostivar is improving but that it still must not be consumed. Earlier this week, Minister of Health Sasho Klekovski said in a television interview that the laboratory analysis of drinking water in Gostivar will be published by August 20.

So far, guidance issued by the management committee chaired by Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski states that water in Gostivar may be used only for technical purposes.

SDSM called on the authorities to present an official, signed expert finding as soon as possible and demanded clear information for citizens about when water will again be safe to drink.

Photo: press material from the event