The opposition movement Progressive Slovakia (PS) is criticizing an amendment proposed by the coalition party Hlas-SD to the government’s draft law on public water supply and sewerage systems. The amendment would allow owners of public water infrastructure to use reasonable profits for activities that support or are complementary to regulated services. PS Members of Parliament Michal Sabo and Jana Hanuliaková raised their concerns during a press conference on Tuesday, saying the amendment fundamentally changes the original intent of the law.
“When we asked Hlas MPs last week how exactly they envision the provision in practice, they couldn’t answer. They couldn’t explain what supporting or complementary activities specifically mean. (...) They leave us in an informational fog, and we can only guess what their amendment is supposed to achieve. So we ask appropriately—do supporting and complementary activities include building playgrounds and extensive marketing campaigns?” Sabo stated.
He is curious how Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba (SNS nominee), who submitted the original draft, will respond to the amendment. According to Sabo, the change contradicts the original stated purpose of the law, as Taraba initially claimed that the goal was to ensure water companies reinvest profits from regulated activities solely into repairs, maintenance, and infrastructure development. Together with Hanuliaková, Sabo urged the minister to stand by his original proposal.
The PS MPs also announced their intention to submit their own amendment to the water law. Among other things, they aim to clearly define the terms “restoration,” “repair,” and “maintenance” and to bring greater transparency to the operations of water companies.
The proposed amendment to the law on public water supply and sewerage is currently in its second reading in Parliament and is scheduled for discussion during the ongoing session. It originates from the Ministry of Environment, which states its goal is to protect the public interest and ensure the long-term stability and quality of water services in Slovakia. The amendment from Hlas was reportedly submitted during the parliamentary Committee for Agriculture and the Environment.
Source: TASR
