Skopje, 3 January 2024 (MIA) - Analyses have shown that 45 percent of the pollution comes from households and public institutions not using environment-friendly heating systems. This is were we come in. We will replace systems in about 70 institutions in the coming two years. Processes are not developing as fast as they should, but this does not mean that we will stop with these 70 institutions, said Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Kaja Shukova on Wednesday.

Minister Shukova told a press conference that the current measures against air pollution are short-term, and the replacement of existing heating systems with environment-friendly ones is a long-term measure and a process that was launched 4-5 years ago, when the Government started to allocate funds and such systems are already operational in larger health institutions.

"We encourage municipalities to implement projects in public facilities in line with their capacities, although some are already supporting households in the procurement of inverters and replacement of heating systems. Nevertheless, each and every one of us should contribute to the reduction of air pollution, for example by burning dry instead of wet wood, not adding materials such as parquet, plastic, rubber etc," said Shukova.

A process of mapping potential polluters has been ongoing for a year, she added, with information provided from municipalities, whereas support has also been provided in the development of municipal air plans.

"Therefore, the state is doing what it can to help municipalities identify potential polluters, whereas local authorities should implement short-term and long-term measures against air pollution adopted by their local councils," noted Shukova.

She added that USJE cement plant and Makstil steel plant "have proven to be responsible companies" by observing the recommendation issued to larger industrial capacities to reduce their production during the winter months, when pollution levels reach their peak.

"We urge other companies to follow suit and reduce production as much as possible during this period," said Shukova.

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