The Assembly of Vodovod Hrvatsko primorje has adjusted prices in service area 28, with the largest jump recorded in Novalja due to the agglomeration and wastewater treatment plant worth over 55 million euros.
Residents and businesses in the towns of Rab, Pag, and Senj, as well as the municipalities of Karlobag, Lopar, Povljana, and Kolan, are facing new, higher water bills. The Assembly of Vodovod Hrvatsko primorje has adopted a decision to adjust water service prices, resulting in an average increase of 6 percent across the entire service area 28.
A significantly larger increase awaits consumers in the town of Novalja, where water prices will jump by 27 percent. The reason is the construction of the agglomeration and wastewater treatment plant, an investment whose value exceeded 55 million euros.
Milan Nekić, director of Vodovod Hrvatsko primorje, explained that the new prices in Novalja will not be applied immediately. "The average increase in water service prices is 6 percent across the entire service area, except in the town of Novalja where the increase is 27 percent because the agglomeration and treatment plant have been built. This investment cost more than 55 million euros, and the new prices in Novalja will be applied after the official handover and commissioning of the treatment facility," Nekić stated for Novi list.
From the water utility, they emphasize that the main reason for adjusting prices is the recommendation of the Water Services Council, made in accordance with the prescribed methodology of the Ministry and Hrvatske vode. Additional pressure on prices has been created by the increase in maintenance costs of the existing water infrastructure.
Before the final decision, a public consultation was held in which both individuals and legal entities could submit comments and proposals on the new price list. After that, the Company Assembly, composed of representatives of the towns and municipalities as founders and co-owners, made the final decision.
In October last year, a decision on the development fee was also adopted, which allows the water utility to continue investing in water infrastructure and agglomerations together with local self-government units. The goal is to reduce network losses in accordance with the plans and recommendations of the competent Ministry and Hrvatske vode.
Special attention is being paid to the protection of water sources, both within service area 28 itself and across the entire catchment that feeds the water intake at Hrmotine. From this location, most of the water is treated and distributed to end users, and preserving its quality is crucial for a secure supply.
