Providing clean drinking water is the responsibility of municipalities; however, the Hungarian government is ready to do everything in order to help them to fulfil their duties fully – said Minister of State András Tállai at the opening ceremony of the project entitled “Tracking Municipal Development Projects”.

Minster of State Tállai stated that the goal of the project is to create a unified framework for tracking and supporting development projects financed by the EU or Hungary, and which are obligatory due to Hungary's membership of the EU.

He added that the Ministry of Interior would like to reduce the number of reimbursement obligations caused by the irregular use of sources, and to encourage local governments to effectively execute investment projects while following EU regulations.

He reminded those present that more than 840 thousand people live in places where the arsenic level of water is above the recommended limit. HUF 160 billion is needed to improve this state of affairs. Municipalities often lack resources, however. That is why the Hungarian Government wanted to help by taking over the debts of these municipalities – emphasized András Tállai.

He also reminded that providing clean drinking water is an obligation taken on before EU and international organizations. The deadline of these obligations has already passed, although the EU had previously made some concessions. The Ministry of Interior intends to provide support to ensure the fulfilment of these obligations as soon as possible.

Minister of State Tállai added that although the new financing system of local governments may cause some difficulties, they will not be left without support. He emphasized that the Government will do everything possible to ensure local governments have a budget that not only covers their operations, but also assures funds for development.

(MTI; Ministry of Interior)