Skopje, 18 December 2024 (MIA) - Polluted air annually kills about 2,800 Macedonian citizens, World Bank Country Manager Massimiliano Paolucci told a conference on air quality on Wednesday.

Paolucci said that despite the progress made from the 1990s, air pollution is still very high, especially in the winter period.

"People in Skopje and Tetovo are exposed to significantly higher levels of toxic particles (PM2.5) compared to people in Western Europe," added Paolucci.

According to him, clean air is crucial for sustainable development.

Deputy PM and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Izet Mexhiti said the primary factor for air pollution are households and the industry, which use wood of poor quality and other heating resources.

"Urban transport and other aspects are also contributors to the problem. We have already adopted and working on a specific programme, focused on gasification, co-generation gas systems, subsidies for citizens who go back to the central heating etc. Regarding urban transport, we have put into use several electric buses and the Government is planning another 100–120 buses for municipalities. Private initiatives are another aspect, such as the plant for processing and recycling of used oil, which is set to open in the coming days. We are also working on other initiatives and projects for cleaner air," noted Mexhiti.

Asked if inspectors would be more active during the coming holidays, when the air is increasingly polluted, the minister said efforts would be intensive.

"They are already on the field, issuing fines. Nevertheless, the number of inspectors needs to increase nationwide," said Mexhiti.

Photo: MIA