Immediate Renewal of Road Infrastructure – Health, Transportation, and Economic Consequences

To:

– Mayor of Avren Municipality: Mr. Emanuil Mladenov Manolov

Including:

– Deputy Mayors of Avren Municipality:

• Mr. Boyan Vladimirov Georgiev (responsible for investment policy, spatial planning, municipal property, and transport)

• Mrs. Svetlana Nedkova Georgieva (responsible for education, culture, healthcare, tourism, sports, youth, and social activities)

– Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works
Address: Sofia, “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” Blvd. No. 17-19, 1202
E-mail: e-mrrb@mrrb.government.bg

– Varna Regional Administration
Regional Governor: Assoc. Prof. Andriana Andreeva
Address: “Preslav” St. No. 26, Varna
E-mail: governor@vn.government.bg

From:
Residents of the villages in Avren Municipality: Avren, Benkovski, Bliznatsi, Bolyartsi, Dobri Dol, Dabravino, Kazashka Reka, Kitka, Krusha, Priseltsi, Ravna Gora, Sadovo, Sindel, Tsarevtsi, Trastikovo, Yunak, Zdravets

PETITION FOR
Immediate Renewal of Road Infrastructure – Health, Transportation, and Economic Consequences

Dear Sir/Madam,

We, the residents of the villages in Avren Municipality, submit this petition requesting immediate, comprehensive, and lasting measures to renew the road infrastructure in our region. For years, the lack of adequate paving and the poor repairs of the roads in the affected villages have created serious problems that affect our daily transportation, our health, and the economic potential of the entire area. Moreover, the absence of stable infrastructure repels potential investors who could stimulate regional development and the creation of new jobs.

1. Main Issues and Consequences

A. Problems with Road Infrastructure:
- All affected villages – Avren, Benkovski, Bliznatsi, Bolyartsi, Dobri Dol, Dabravino, Kazashka Reka, Kitka, Krusha, Priseltsi, Ravna Gora, Sadovo, Sindel, Tsarevtsi, Trastikovo, Yunak, Zdravets – have roads that are either completely unpaved or repaired in a manner that does not meet safety standards.
- In the absence of an asphalt surface, the road remains mere earth. In dry weather, this surface raises dust, and in rain or high humidity, it turns into mud and slush, rendering the streets completely impassable.

B. Harmful Health Consequences:
- Respiratory Problems and Air Pollution: The poor condition of the road surface constantly raises fine dust, which we inhale daily. This is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, as it contributes to allergic reactions, infections, and deterioration of respiratory function.
- Psychophysiological Effects: Constant noise and vibrations caused by the uneven surface adversely affect mental health, leading to stress and fatigue, and contribute to long-term psychophysiological disorders.
- Increased Risk of Injuries: Holes and uneven surfaces increase the likelihood of falls for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as road accidents for motor vehicle drivers. This results in contusions, sprains, fractures, and other acute injuries, particularly dangerous for the elderly and those with reduced mobility.
- Additional Allergic Reactions and Toxic Particle Pollution: Besides fine dust, the uneven road surface promotes the lifting of heavy metals, microplastics, and other harmful substances. This can increase the risk of allergic reactions and, with long-term exposure, more serious respiratory diseases.
- Stress and Reduced Concentration While Driving: Unpredictable road conditions force drivers to be constantly alert, overloading the nervous system and leading to faster accumulation of fatigue, irritability, and mental strain. Over time, this may manifest as anxiety, depressive conditions, and an increased risk of traffic accidents.

C. Problems with Vehicle Transportation:
- Accelerated Wear and Mechanical Damage: The rough and uneven surface accelerates the wear of key vehicle components – tires, suspension, brakes, and engine. The dust and mud accumulating in the mechanisms lead to frequent and expensive repairs, increase operational costs, and raise the risk of breakdowns while driving.
- Impassable Conditions in Wet Weather: In rain or high humidity, roads composed of compacted earth turn into muddy and slippery sections, causing loss of traction and increasing the risk of traffic accidents. These conditions result in additional vehicle damage, significantly worsen road safety, and hinder access to important public and residential areas.
- Increased Fuel Consumption and Environmental Pollution: Frequent speed reduction and detours around potholes lead to higher fuel consumption, and consequently, higher emissions of harmful gases. This impacts both drivers’ personal budgets and the air quality in populated areas.
- Disruptions in Logistics and Public Services Delays: Poor road surfaces lead to slower movement, traffic jams, and unpredictable delays. This hinders logistical processes related to the delivery of goods and complicates the execution of public services – for example, emergency medical care, firefighting, and rescue services, where every minute counts.
- Higher Risk of Road Incidents and Reduced Safety: Constant maneuvering between potholes and uneven surfaces, combined with muddy or dusty patches, increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle. Sudden maneuvers and abrupt braking create additional hazards for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

D. General Transportation and Economic Damages:
- Disruptions in Transport and Emergency Services: Impassable roads hinder vehicle movement and negatively affect the timely delivery of goods. Moreover, they limit access for emergency services such as ambulances, firefighting, and police, which can be critical for public safety and health.
- Withdrawal of Investments: Poor road conditions and the lack of modern infrastructure repel potential investors, lower economic interest in the area, and delay the socio-economic development of the municipality. As a result, there are fewer employment opportunities and limited access to new technologies and services.
- Losses for Local Business and Agriculture: Difficult access to markets and logistic centers leads to delays in deliveries and higher transportation costs. This raises the final product’s price, reduces the competitiveness of local producers, and may lead to significant financial losses.
- Decreased Real Estate Values: In areas with poor road infrastructure, housing and other property prices often remain low or even decline, devaluing owners’ assets and reducing the interest of potential buyers.
- Reduced Workforce Mobility and Worsened Conditions for Tourism: The lack of accessible and safe roads forces people to spend more time and resources commuting to their workplaces. At the same time, areas that could attract tourists with natural or cultural attractions become less accessible. This results in a decline in tourist flows and lost revenue for the local economy.

E. Problems with Waste Management:
- Hindered Access for Waste Collection Companies: The lack of proper road surfaces, especially during rainy weather, impedes specialized vehicles from servicing waste containers on a regular schedule. This leads to irregular waste collection and the accumulation of garbage in residential areas.
- Increased Risk of Pollution and Diseases: Uncollected or scattered waste contributes to the spread of unpleasant odors, harmful microorganisms, insects, and rodents. This creates a favorable environment for the development of infections and has negative consequences for both the environment and public health.
- Additional Costs for Waste Management: Frequent technical issues and the need for specialized trucks to access hard-to-reach areas increase the operating costs of waste management companies. These costs may later be reflected in higher fees for household waste and strain the municipal budget.
- Reduced Efficiency of Public Sanitary Services: Due to the poor road infrastructure, the time required to service waste containers increases, hindering the timely and quality execution of sanitation activities in the town or settlement.

2. Our Demands
In view of the aforementioned serious problems, we insist on immediate actions, including:

A. Conducting a Detailed Technical Analysis:
Immediately carrying out a comprehensive technical survey of the road network in all affected villages in order to determine the sections that need priority repair and renewal.

B. Launching Extensive Projects for Paving and Modernization:
Preparation and prompt execution of projects to pave the roads according to modern safety, durability, and maintenance standards. Optimization of the drainage system and implementation of solutions to protect the road surface from adverse weather conditions, such as rain and high humidity.

C. Securing the Necessary Funding:
Allocation of budget funds from local, regional, and state resources. Applying for European funding to ensure high-quality and lasting renewal of the road infrastructure, which will stimulate investment activity in the region.

D. Regular and Transparent Communication with Residents:
We demand that all undertaken measures, project progress, and expected deadlines for the repair activities be regularly announced through local media (including Facebook groups for easier access by residents), information boards, and the official websites of the municipality, ensuring complete public oversight of the process.

3. Conclusion
The lack of quality road infrastructure in the villages of Avren Municipality affects not only our daily commutes but also our health, property values, and the overall economic potential of the region. The dust raised by unpaved roads carries a risk of respiratory diseases, and accidents caused by impassable conditions during rain can lead to serious bodily injuries and significant vehicle damage. The absence of proper paving hinders the normal functioning of transport services and restricts access for emergency services, while also repelling investors and stalling the municipality's economic growth. We insist on immediate measures to ensure a modern and sustainable road infrastructure. We are confident that through swift and effective intervention, better living conditions, improved health and safety for the population, and stimulated economic development of our region can be achieved. We request a concrete response, as well as the announcement of the expected deadlines for the repair activities and regular updates to the public on the progress of the implemented measures.

Sincerely,
The Residents of the Villages in Avren Municipality:
Avren, Benkovski, Bliznatsi, Bolyartsi, Dobri Dol, Dabravino, Kazashka Reka, Kitka, Krusha, Priseltsi, Ravna Gora, Sadovo, Sindel, Tsarevtsi, Trastikovo, Yunak, Zdravets

Hristo Todorov    Contact the author of the petition