Ministerial Decree approving the special plan for the completion and rationalization of the water catchment and purification systems.

Based on the assessment of the present environmental degradation caused by the inadequacy of the purification systems, and of the data collected through an official census on the water pollution of the country, the special plan aims at the achievement of the following objectives: (a) identification and implementation of urgent interventions necessary for the protection and sanitation of waters and catchment basins; (b) completion of works already financed; (c) putting into operation of completed works. The Decree establishes criteria and modalities for the elaboration of the plan. It provides for a joint feasibility study to be carried out by Governmental and regional authorities and identifies the following priorities: (a) contaminated rivers; (b) rivers with a high risk of contamination; (c) lakes; (d) lagoons and wetlands; (e) coastal waters; (f) prevention of soil and sub-soil pollution. Final provisions concern financial resources and the criteria for their allocation, based on the objectives to be achieved and on the financial and technical feasibility of the interventions. Section 4 of the present Decree establishes the procedure for the implementation of the interventions, and sets out the deadlines for the fulfilment of the obligations relevant thereto.