Europe Asia News

The serious waste management crisis in Sofia’s Krasno Selo area has prompted authorities to launch a special cleanup operation that will continue until October 19.

The operation involves inmates convicted of minor offenses, municipal park and garden workers, cemetery employees, and volunteers.

Krasno Selo Mayor Tsveta Nikolaeva stated that the operation is of vital importance due to the slow pace of manual work, the rapid filling of garbage bins, and the ongoing lack of equipment. She called on residents to separate their waste and to temporarily refrain from disposing of bulky items.

The inclusion of prisoners began last week, and inmates under a light regime are now working on-site. Nikolaeva explained that the program mainly aims to assist in collecting branches and leaves during the autumn season. After previous attempts to use the Labor Office failed, the municipal administration sought alternatives. Following consultations with the Ministry of Justice, the necessary conditions were established, and an agreement was signed regarding the employment of prisoners.