Troskot calls a state of emergency in Karlovy Vary: 'For the first time in history they have run out of water'

A parliamentary representative from the HDZ party, Zvonimir Troskot, called for the declaration of an emergency situation in Karlovac due to severe disruptions in water supply. On Monday, he addressed officials at the water and sewage company in front of its headquarters, stating that the city had completely lost access to drinking water for the first time in its history. This unprecedented crisis has prompted calls for urgent action and greater oversight. The incident occurred after the water supply system was disrupted, with reports indicating that power outages caused the failure of pumps at the water treatment plants. However, Troskot emphasized that this explanation was insufficient, pointing out that the plants were equipped with generators. He argued that the reservoirs should have been adequately filled to prevent such a collapse. According to him, the issue goes beyond a technical malfunction and involves questions of responsibility and preparedness. Troskot highlighted that residents of Karlovac pay among the highest water prices in Croatia while receiving unreliable service. In some periods, the water has been cloudy, raising concerns about quality. He also criticized the method of testing water quality, noting that samples are taken only after prolonged flushing of pipes, which does not accurately reflect real-time conditions. He stressed that the management of the water system must be entrusted to individuals with expertise, experience, and clear plans. Political protection, he argued, cannot replace professional competence. Troskot warned that if local authorities and the water company fail to stabilize the system, the responsibility must shift to the county level. He expects a response from Tomo Medved, deputy prime minister and member of the ruling party, who hails from the Karlovac County. Troskot requested the involvement of independent experts, the construction of new pumping stations in Mostanje, additional investments in the distribution network, and a clear delineation of responsibilities for managing the system. He urged both municipal and regional authorities to take immediate steps to restore services and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens. The water company, Vodovod i kanalizacija, announced on August 21 that power outages had led to the disruption of pump operations. However, Troskot challenged this narrative, arguing that the lack of water could not solely be attributed to the loss of electricity. He pointed to the possibility that reservoir levels had been inadequate, questioning who was responsible for ensuring proper storage. In his public statement, Troskot described the situation as more than just a local issue, it affects public health, security, and the basic right to clean water. He called for transparency, accountability, and decisive action to address the ongoing crisis. The situation underscores broader challenges in infrastructure management and the need for coordinated efforts between different administrative levels. As the debate continues, the focus remains on restoring water supply and preventing future failures. Residents of Karlovac continue to face uncertainty, and the government faces mounting pressure to provide solutions. The outcome of these developments will likely shape discussions on urban planning, resource allocation, and governance in the region.