SDSM: Delayed action by Skopje mayor left city exposed to infected mosquitoes
SDSM accuses Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski of delayed action as the Institute for Public Health reports 36 confirmed West Nile cases as of August 18.
The Social Democratic Union (SDSM) says the city of Skopje is exposed to infected mosquitoes because the mayor, Orce Gjorgjievski, reacted too late, and the party is demanding answers from the local government.
At a press briefing Aleksandar Davchevski, president of the City Organization, accused the mayor of failing to carry out timely preventative measures and of postponing mosquito control until the virus had already spread among residents.
Criticism, questions and numbers
Davchevski asked sharply what the mayor had been doing in recent weeks and listed what he described as neglected tasks, saying the mayor focused on symbolic actions instead of public health. He said this negligence has a human cost and called for accountability from institutions.
According to the Institute for Public Health, as of August 18 there are 36 confirmed West Nile cases and two probable cases in the country; four people have died so far. Of those ill, a total of 37 are in the Skopje region and one is from Veles.
Authorities have launched an SMS information campaign that will send 38 500 messages to people in affected municipalities, the statement said.
SDSM says the city leadership must explain its response and that citizens’ health has been put at risk by delayed local action. The party reiterated its demand that responsible institutions investigate whether existing rules were followed.
Photo: press material from the event
