Gostivar, 21 July 2026 (MIA) - The Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Gostivar has launched an investigation and requested 30-day detention for the head of Gostivar’s Communal Hygiene public enterprise and two managers at the enterprise. They are suspected of causing contamination of Gostivar’s drinking water supply by unlawfully installing pumps in an overflow chamber in the village of Vrutok.

Details about the investigation were announced at a briefing Tuesday by the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Gostivar, which was attended by Chief Prosecutor Nenad Saveski, the head of the Gostivar Public Prosecutor’s Office Elizabeta Josifovska, and the public prosecutors working on the case, Zura Selimi and Hazbi Iseini. 

Prosecutor Iseini said the Prosecutor’s Office decided Monday to launch an investigation into the three suspects due to founded suspicions they issued orders for the installation of the pumps in order to boost water pressure in Gostivar and the surrounding villages.

The prosecutor said the three suspects are being investigated for serious crimes against the environment and nature, related to the pollution of drinking water. On Monday, the prosecution requested a 30-day detention for all three suspects. The offense carries a minimum prison sentence of four years.  

The initial steps in the preliminary investigation were taken by public prosecutor Zura Selimi, following a report by citizens on July 16, 2026. At the scene, it was established that three pumps were set up near the overflow chamber – two of which were operational – pumping untreated water from an external canal directly into the drinking water system.

Based on the evidence acquired by the prosecutors, the pumps were first installed on June 24, with test runs conducted a day later. Analyses revealed the presence of fecal bacteria in the water, as well as elevated chlorine levels for end consumers – measuring 1.1 miligrams per liter, compared to the permissible limit of 0.2 to 0.5 milligrams per liter. Thirty-nine coliform bacteria were detected in water samples taken from inside the water intake structure. 

Prosecutors at the briefing said the investigation is at an early stage and will aim to uncover the full truth, including the potential connection between the contaminated water and the epidemic of citizens suffering from gastrointestinal issues in the city.

“The investigations will be expanded if we determine responsibility among other institutions,” prosecutors said at the briefing.

The pumps have been taken out of service, and a court order is being secured to dismantle and seize them for further examination.  

Photo: MIA