“I am convinced that 2014 will be better for the industry, said in an interview for “Stroitel” newspaper Desislava Terzieva, Minister of Regional Development. Projects will start on current as well as on new operational programs.” Simultaneously the government set aside in the 2014 budget close to BGN 500 million for a new investment fund whose funds will be invested mainly in infrastructure projects.

“We have changed the strategic investment planning for the new programming period 2014-2020. An opportunity will be given for fully electronic application and procedure of direct grant support under OP “Regions in Growth”, explained Terzieva.

According to her, for the first time in 20 years construction and rehabilitation of dams for drinking purposes will begin. The completion of two such dams will start – “Luda Yana” near Panagyurishte and “Plovdivtsi” near Rudozem, as well as the rehabilitation of “Studena” and a treatment plant for Pernik. These projects should be completed by 2017. “They are strategic for the sector but it is necessary to make small steps so that from next year to have the first results. That is why we developed a program to solve the problem of seasonal and year-round water regime in some locations. It includes 28 projects of priority to build pipelines and facilities totaling nearly BGN 35 million,” the minister added.

Minister Terzieva, the beginning of the year is a time for outlining new goals and priorities. What are the tasks that you set for 2014?

My priorities as Minister of Regional Development will be reform in the water sector, successful launch of Operational Program “Regions in Growth” 2014 - 2020, continuation of the process of decentralization of state government and reducing the difference between the regions in the country. Of course, last but not least – roads. We will work on major infrastructure projects; we will put investment in the secondary and tertiary road network, which I have repeatedly said has urgent need of rehabilitation.

In everything I do in the ministry I am guided by the main goal and vision – creating a better living environment for people in the different regions of Bulgaria and a better economic climate. Attracting investment is a major factor for the development of the regions. Stimulating economic growth is also the main objective of the government program. Creation of more favorable conditions for business development and providing quality engineering infrastructure are the ways to boost the economy. This will help to reduce social and economic disparities between regions. Unfortunately, the imbalance between different regions in the country has increased significantly in recent years. Striking is the difference between Northwestern and Southwestern Bulgaria. My goal is this distinction to be reduced by supporting the development of the weaker regions.

 Do you plan to be fully operational in order to assimilate more European funds? What are your expectations for the performers?

2014 will be a great challenge in terms of management of EU funds. We have to negotiate with the EC the new program “Regions in Growth” and to launch the first schemes. Parallel to this will continue the implementation of projects under “Regional Development”, through which we plan to settle nearly BGN 1 billion to beneficiaries. At this stage there is no risk of losing money at the end of 2014. With the final approval from the EC for construction of the Northern Speed Tangent under OPRD we have to over negotiate nearly 108% of the program budget.

Our main beneficiaries are municipalities and they have already gained experience in project management, so I hope there are no problems with the implementation. We have excellent systems for monitoring, financial management and control, which is a prerequisite to minimize risks. With regard to the projects under which are carried out construction works, their contractors and supervisors are elected in accordance with the Public Procurement Act and their work is monitored regularly by the beneficiaries and control is exercised also by the managing authority. For monitoring and control of the implementation of projects under OP “Regional Development” 2007-2013, with the aim of qualitative physical implementation, the managing authority has contracts with external experts and companies for investment control on projects. This provides full control over the quality of construction works.