Housing strategy needed to improve children’s living conditions in Bulgaria, Regional Minister Says

SOFIA, Mar 18 (BTA/APP): Speaking at a national social forum, caretaker Regional Development and Public Works Minister Nikolay Naydenov said that political will is needed, and every minister, politician and mayor should work daily to improve housing conditions in Bulgaria, the Ministry said on Wednesday.

Naydenov said it is unacceptable that, despite millions being spent on building renovation, discussions still focus on whether some children in Bulgaria have basic living conditions such as proper roofs, windows and protection from damp.

He stressed that one of the key steps within the remit of the ministry is the adoption of a national housing strategy. Such a strategy had been prepared in the past but is not currently in force, he noted, committing to take the necessary steps to draft and accelerate its adoption.

According to Naydenov, the strategy would provide a framework for improving living conditions, while the actual implementation depends largely on local authorities.

The minister outlined key steps for addressing housing conditions in Roma communities through legal means, including allocating land for low-rise housing in municipal spatial plans, adopting amendments where necessary, preparing detailed development plans with adjusted parameters, and proceeding with building design.

He added that property rights and construction rights must be clarified in parallel with planning procedures to ensure legality, noting that this is the only lawful way to improve housing conditions.

Design standards apply equally to all citizens, Naydenov said, adding that current legislation already allows for reduced requirements in social housing, but action is needed.

The ministry’s website notes that an update of the National Housing Strategy is forthcoming, along with the development of national programmes for its implementation, aimed at providing long-term solutions to housing sector challenges.