Prilep, 4 January 2025 (MIA) - Heightened controls of plants holding integrated A and B permits, increased control in car stations, control of construction works and cooperation with the municipalities that should enhance controls through the inspectorate are some of the measures taken to reduce air pollution, said Deputy Environment Minister Ane Lashkoska on Saturday in Prilep.

Nearly two months ago, she mentioned, a set of short-term and long-term measures were passed to curb air pollution with the short-term measures being in force until the heating season is over.

Cooperation with the municipalities has to be increased, she urged.

"I call on municipalities to deploy municipal inspectors to conduct controls of small and medium-sized enterprises. If the measures are not respected, they've been passed in vain," Lashkoska stressed.

Household heating, considered the biggest pollutant, hasn't been completely solved, according to her.

The government, Lashkoska added, has a long-term plan for the period from 2024 to 2030, envisaging gradual replacement of heating systems in state and municipal institutions.

"In the meantime, we have an ongoing project in cooperation with EU's IPA III. Through the project, six eco-buses were donated in Skopje. Also, heating systems in 70 state institutions in several cities will be replaced. However, all actions plans will fail if there is no support from the municipalities, the institutions and all concerned parties," the Deputy Minister said.

Photo: MIA