Skopje, 5 January 2025 (MIA) - City of Skopje inspectors continue have heightened inspections in order to reduce air pollution and protect the environment. Those breaking the law, polluting the environment and harming public health have been fined. Last year, the City of Skopje fined both legal and physical entities after being caught creating illegal landfills, the City of Skopje's PR department says Sunday.

"Amid worsening air pollution in the City of Skopje, in addition to the City of Skopje's inspectorate, there are a total of 14 institutions with jurisdiction to act when the environment is polluted and when public health is threatened. Of those, only the City of Skopje reacts on daily basis, while the rest are idle despite having jurisdiction under the law," says the press release.

On average, around 30 fines are issued on weekly basis. "Last year, filed charges after hazardous waste was thrown and set on fire, filed charges against people caught throwing hazardous waste, azbestos and other construction waste, considered cancerous," says the press release.

Unfortunately, it adds, after more than two years, the prosecution hasn't yet formed a case after charges were filed against the company Usje.

"Regarding the pollution from the boiler room for heating the cement plant, it has been determined that the limit values ​​for nitrogen oxides NOx have been exceeded, with the measurement results showing values ​​more than twice as high as the permitted 350 milligrams, i.e. 711.9 milligrams per cubic meter," says the press release.

In order to improve air quality, the City of Skopje, it adds, applies concrete measures throughout the year.

"Energy efficiency is boosted, inspections are heightened, new green areas are introduced as well as bike lanes. With these measures and activities, the City of Skopje acts in a preventative manner toward pollution sources, including traffic and using inadequate fuels," says the City of Skopje amongst other things.

MIA file photo