Skopje, 11 November 2023 (MIA) - Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Kaja Shukova told reporters on Saturday that the country's main environmental challenge is establishing a basic waste management infrastructure.

She noted that the law has been in place for twenty years, but due to a very weak progress by the municipalities in that direction, the state has taken over the regional waste management.

"Work is currently actively underway in seven regions in the country. The eighth region is Skopje, which remains for later because much larger financial resources are needed there. Work is ongoing on establishing basic infrastructure, with primary selection, towards reducing the amount of waste, which we will finally deposit in the new central landfills, made according to European standards," said Shukova. 

As regards air quality, she noted that a new EU-funded project has been launched to be implemented in Skopje, Kumanovo, Tetovo and Bitola. The project includes several components. The largest, of about EUR 5.5 million, is intended for the replacement of non-ecological with ecological systems in public facilities. 

"It is very important to change the mindset. I always appeal, and I will continue to appeal to everyone, to be careful what they use for heating, because first they damage the health of their closest family, and then the health of all those who live in their surroundings," said Shukova, who participated in the 3rd Socio-Ecological Forum in Skopje on Saturday.   

Photo: MIA