The ombudsman Diana Kovacheva recommended to the executive director of "Toplofikatsia - Pernik" AD Chavdar Stoynev to take actions to shorten the originally announced period of 53 days for a planned repair, which will lead to the cessation of hot water for all customers in the town of Pernik.
The reason for the recommendation are complaints from residents of the town of Pernik, as well as information in the media, about the upcoming long-term suspension from August 8, 2022 to September 30, 2022 of the supply of hot water.
"Citizens point out that the planned interruption of service for a period of 53 days will create great inconvenience and force them to incur extraordinary costs to provide alternative means of heating water," the ombudsman wrote.
Prof. Kovacheva draws attention to the fact that due to the worsening of the epidemic situation, according to the National Operational Plan for dealing with the COVID pandemic, by order of the director of the regional health inspection of July 22, 2022, temporary anti-epidemic measures have already been introduced in the territory of the Pernik region.
The ombudsman also emphasizes that with the prolonged interruption of the central heating supply, it will be difficult to maintain good individual and collective hygiene, which is of utmost importance in the fight against both COVID-19 and seasonal infections.
"Taking into account the importance of the upcoming repair works, I think it is imperative to look for a way to reduce their term, for example with extended working hours, work on weekends, etc.," said Diana Kovacheva categorically.
In conclusion, she insists on being informed within 14 days about the actions taken by the company.