Financial Police conduct checks into Gostivar water‑supply project

The Financial Police is gathering documents and carrying out checks linked to the Gostivar water-supply project, officials confirmed, as investigators work to determine whether irregularities or criminal acts occurred during the implementation.

According to the agency, the actions are being performed under an order from the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Gostivar and are part of a preliminary investigation phase. Citing Article 289 of the Criminal Procedure Code, they said those steps are considered secret to protect the integrity of evidence, so no further details were released.

Financial Police

"With regard to your question, we inform you that authorized officers of the Financial Police are taking measures and actions, conducting checks and securing documentation by order of the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Gostivar, in connection with a case concerning the implementation of the water‑supply project in Gostivar, with the aim of determining possible irregularities and incriminated acts within the competence of the Administration."

Health authorities report improving epidemiological indicators

Health officials say the epidemiological situation in Gostivar has been improving: 36 initial medical examinations have been performed and currently only four patients remain hospitalized. Authorities urged citizens not to self‑medicate or delay medical examinations and noted that recommendations have been published on the Ministry of Health website.

Ministry of Health

"The competent health institutions continue strengthened epidemiological surveillance, data processing, patient interviews and coordinated implementation of all necessary measures to protect the population. The decline in the number of examinations is an encouraging indicator, but the situation continues to be closely monitored."

The opposition SDSM criticized the timing of the official reaction and said there are still unanswered questions about the water contamination, accusing authorities of acting too late and calling attention to reports that water is contaminated with coliform bacteria and not safe even for showering.

SDSM

"Only today the Ministry of Health brings some recommendations for early detection and recognition of jaundice symptoms, when the epidemic already has a very strong momentum. You have water that is contaminated with coliform bacteria, which not only is not for drinking, it is not even for showering and there is a recommendation to use, imagine, technical water. Who controls the technical water? Where do restaurants get technical water? Food is washed with that water in wedding restaurants."

Ten days ago the Government declared a thirty‑day crisis on the territory of Gostivar, arguing the local authorities could not cope with the situation. At that time the court ordered thirty‑day detention for Artana Asani, Leon Nuredini and Vadedin Dervishi. The prosecutor's office has said investigators may expand the probe if further evidence of wrongdoing is found.

Photo: press material from the event