Toshkovski: In Peacetime, Protecting Water Supply Systems Is Not the Responsibility of the Army or Police

Interior Minister Pançe Toshkovski said today that, in peacetime, water supply systems should not be guarded by either the Army or the Police. According to him, the municipal institutions responsible for these systems must exercise the duties and powers assigned to them by law.

During a press conference at the Crisis Management Center in Skopje, Toshkovski provided the latest information on the water situation in Gostivar’s water supply system. He emphasized that the water may be used only for technical purposes and not for consumption or food preparation.

Asked by journalists whether security at the water supply system should be strengthened through more frequent police patrols or the deployment of the Army, as proposed by the opposition, the minister opposed involving the armed forces, particularly during peacetime.

“Do I personally think the Army should secure water supply systems? No, I do not. That is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense or the Army, at least not in peacetime. Every institution responsible for maintaining water supply systems must exercise all the legal powers set out in the regulations,” Toshkovski said.

The minister also called on the opposition not to “inflame the atmosphere” among citizens, but to focus its actions on issues that serve their interests.

“I would recommend that the opposition, instead of creating hysteria and trying to undermine everything that is evident to citizens, focus on the well-being of citizens,” he said.

Speaking about the Police’s involvement, Toshkovski confirmed that officers are on the ground, but clarified that guarding water supply networks is not among their responsibilities.

“Should the Police be on the ground? Yes, and they are. But should the Police secure water supply networks throughout the country? No. That is the responsibility of other institutions,” the minister emphasized.

According to Toshkovski, the current situation is also the result of a long period of underinvestment, as well as the failure of those who have led the institutions to resolve citizens’ problems.

“That is a fact. This is why we are in the situation we are in today. But there will always be challenges, and we must find the most appropriate way to respond at the highest professional level,” he said.

Regarding the investigation into the Gostivar water case and the possibility that it could be expanded to include other suspects, Toshkovski said that work is continuing in accordance with the Prosecutor’s Office’s instructions.

“When there are new developments that we can make public, we will inform the citizens,” Toshkovski said.