Bitola, 5 January 2026 (MIA) - Today we are sending a strong and unequivocal message that we are moving forward, from a system that had been neglected for decades, to a modern, sustainable and European waste management, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski at the promotion of a waste management equipment for the municipalities in the Pelagonija and Southwest regions in Bitola on Monday.

PM Mickoski said delivery of the new equipment for solid waste management is a step towards a cleaner environment, higher quality of life and protection of people's health.

"This equipment is not only machinery but a symbol of systemic change. Its distribution ensures higher coverage of the waste collection service, both in urban and rural environments. This means that every populated place, every citizen gets equal treatment. This investment is a direct blow to illegal landfills and the long-standing prblem of informal and uncontrolled waste disposal. It is even more important that we select the waste at its source. This is a cultural shirt, not only a technical measure," said Mickoski.

The PM noted the action is part of a regional project on solid waste management and the first national endeavor to set up an integrated and sustainble waste management system aligned with European directives on waste and landfills.

"The project encompasses the construction of three regional landfills, closure of the three existing non-standard landfills, construction of loading stations, and procurement of equipment and macbhinery for waste collection and transport across five planning regions in the country. This equipment is used for the future regional landfill and waste management center in Novaci, along with loading stations in Kichevo, Ohrid, Prilep and Debar. This is a regional approach that brings efficiency, economic justification and long-term sustainability. Funds have been provided by the state and international partners, secured through a loan and grants. This investment is not only about meeting European standards but building a state in which a clean environment is not a privilege but a right, a country that thinks for the long term, a country that protects future generations," said Mickoski.

Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Muhamed Hoxha also addressed the event, saying the regional waste management model is turning into reality for 500,000 citizens in 18 municipalities of the Pelagonija and Southwest regions.

"The equipment is directly linked to the future regional waste management center in Novaci. In 2026 we will set up the key infrastructure of this regional system that is fully aligned with European directives," said Minister Hoxha.

Bitola Mayor Toni Konjanovski and Novaci Mayor Stevche Stevanovski extended their gratitude for the Government support and highlighted the project's importance for their respective self-governments.

Photo: MIA