Within the framework of the project “Bulgaria’s Water Strategies for Transition to a Climate Neutral and Sustainable Society” (LIFE WatClima), a survey was conducted among WSS operators in the country. Representatives of the management teams of a total of 29 WSS operators completed a questionnaire primarily related to the discussion of the Draft Law on Water Supply and Sewerage.

The survey results indicate significant needs among WSS companies for additional training of staff across all main general administrative units. Nearly 90% of respondents reported a need for further training of personnel in the financial and accounting departments; about four-fifths of respondents indicated the need for additional professional training for employees in the “legal and administrative services” and “programming and information services” units. Around 70% of the surveyed WSS companies believe that staff in all three main specialized units (“design, cadastre, and investments”, “sales and billing”, and “control and water quality”) require additional professional training. The declared need for further staff training is also significant with regard to the operational units of WSS operators.

During the visits carried out to WSS operators across the country, their representatives were informed about the training activities to be conducted under Work Package 5 of the project. In addition, the management teams of the WSS operators were introduced to the opportunities to receive consultations within the project for the preparation of Action Plans under changing climate conditions.