"The allocation of finances for waste treatment and recycle projects, initiated by the environment operational programme, has begun," said Environment Minister Djevdet Chakurov during a meeting of the monitoring committee by the operational programme on March 27, Stroitelstvo Gradut has reported.

As a result, the committee has authorised the release of financial aid to another 21 regional waste management facilities. Of the total scheme, comprising 55 municipal landfills, the national programme for waste management states that 27 have already been built. Another seven are under construction.

The Bulgarian Government aims to start work on the remaining 23 regional waste treatment facilities as soon as possible. Theoretically at least, the procedures available, which allow for direct financing, will significantly shorten terms and procedures.

According to Djevet Chakurov, "It 's unrealistic to expect that all projects will be completed by the deadline of July 2009 in accordance with the initial agreement with the European Union. However, their immediate start is vital."

The total financial reserve for the priority axis II of the operative programme Environment 2007-2013 for waste treatment amounts to 367 million euro. Of this amount, 312 million euro has been supplied by EU funds. The remaining 55 million euro hails from from national subsidies.

Until now, by way of procedure BG161O005/08/2.30/01/03, indications are that contracts were processed to the tune of 13 million euro under the priority axis II Environment 2007-2013. Remaining financial resources will be allocated towards still to be constructed waste treatment plants and the closure of existing ones that do not meet European standards.

The finance required for the construction of these waste treatment stations will be considered under economic and demographic factors to ensure they are adequately funded. But initial estimates are that a total of 280 million euro will be required to meet obligations.