Strumica, 24 October 2024 (MIA) – The Municipality of Strumica as of today is cancelling its membership in the Association of Local Self-Government Units (ZELS) and its mayor Kostadin Kostadinov will step down as member of the steering board, the Municipality of Strumica says Thursday in a press release after the move was announced yesterday by the mayor.

The Municipality notes it is quitting ZELS as “a show of revolt” due to the indifferent treatment of Strumica and its residents at a time when they are facing one of the biggest challenges – drinking water - and the same treatment after the government rejected Strumica’s only project it submitted seeking funds from the Hungarian loan.

According to the statement, the Municipality of Strumica hasn’t received any written decisions by the government and its institutions all the while learning the news from the media.

“As a result, we are leaving ZELS. The membership will be valid solely for ZELS’ legal jurisdiction as regards the systems of the municipalities, otherwise we’re out of ZELS,” states the press release. 

Citing the ZELS statute, the Municipality of Strumica says the association represents and defends the interests of its members before the President, Parliament and the Government, the ministries and other institutions with competences in the field of local self-government.

“Since the drinking water issue was revealed on September 27, ZELS showed zero interest despite witnessing how competent state institutions, mainly the agriculture, in charge of the Turija dam that supplies seven settlements, including Strumica, with drinking water, didn’t even lift a finger. In fact, through the Food and Veterinary Agency and its analyses, they are playing games with Strumica,” says the press release.

The Municipality of Strumica calls it “one of the biggest scandals in Europe regarding violation of human rights and constitutional rights and liberties.”

In the statement, Mayor Kostadinov vows to keep fighting for the citizens of Strumica to protect public health and to prove the truth that drinking water in the municipality is microbiologically and chemically safe. 

MIA file photo