Innovative practices in Bulgaria
Sharing innovations for improving local self-government
Reconstruction and modernization of street lighting in the Municipality of Byala
Municipality of Byala
Background
Public lighting in the biggest part of the small Black Sea municipalities was partially or entirely cut off, with no prospect of being switched back on in the future five or ten years. This situation has led to negative social and economic consequences for these municipalities. The town of Byala, Varna Region, is a tourist resort and the lack of public lighting during the summer season has placed the local population into embarrassing situations related to the tourist business.
Public lighting in the biggest part of the small Black Sea municipalities was partially or entirely cut off, with no prospect of being switched back on in the future five or ten years. This situation has led to negative social and economic consequences for these municipalities. The town of Byala, Varna Region, is a tourist resort and the lack of public lighting during the summer season has placed the local population into embarrassing situations related to the tourist business.
Practice
The Municipality of Byala was strongly disturbed by the negative tendencies caused by the lack of public lighting:
- Increase of criminal deeds at night theft of property, animals and agricultural production, as well as violence over people;
- Trade and tourist places radically decreased their income; the town earned a negative tourist reputation ;
- Increase of traffic accidents;
- People and firms have suffered losses due to increased crime rate.
To some extent, all these facts caused a sgift of values among people of initiative, mostly young ones:
- Due to enhanced emigration, the so called settlements with subsiding functions have started to form;
- A general feeling emerged among young people that bad things may happen to you in the dark, but you can also remain anonymous and unpunished ;
- Darkness lowered people s self-esteem and that reflected on the social microclimate in the municipality.
In response to all these needs, the Municipality of Byala implemented a project for the reconstruction and modernization of street lighting, which was supported by its own funds. The lighting equipment was contributed by a private firm; municipal specialists worked out a public lighting plan. Energy Supply Byala cooperated in the installation of the lighting equipment; some transportation services were provided by private firms from the town of Varna.
The project visibly changed life, work, and recreation conditions in the municipality:
1. Safety of citizens and guests of the Municipality of Byala in the night time increased.
2. Tourist reputation of the town of Byala improved. Nights out in town became a more emotional, romantic, and memorable experience.
3. A healthy microclimate for business activities was created, which has led to increase of local income.
4. Decrease of burglaries and traffic accidents was achieved.
5. Municipality expenditure for the maintenance of the public lighting was reduced.
The Municipality of Byala was strongly disturbed by the negative tendencies caused by the lack of public lighting:
- Increase of criminal deeds at night theft of property, animals and agricultural production, as well as violence over people;
- Trade and tourist places radically decreased their income; the town earned a negative tourist reputation ;
- Increase of traffic accidents;
- People and firms have suffered losses due to increased crime rate.
To some extent, all these facts caused a sgift of values among people of initiative, mostly young ones:
- Due to enhanced emigration, the so called settlements with subsiding functions have started to form;
- A general feeling emerged among young people that bad things may happen to you in the dark, but you can also remain anonymous and unpunished ;
- Darkness lowered people s self-esteem and that reflected on the social microclimate in the municipality.
In response to all these needs, the Municipality of Byala implemented a project for the reconstruction and modernization of street lighting, which was supported by its own funds. The lighting equipment was contributed by a private firm; municipal specialists worked out a public lighting plan. Energy Supply Byala cooperated in the installation of the lighting equipment; some transportation services were provided by private firms from the town of Varna.
The project visibly changed life, work, and recreation conditions in the municipality:
1. Safety of citizens and guests of the Municipality of Byala in the night time increased.
2. Tourist reputation of the town of Byala improved. Nights out in town became a more emotional, romantic, and memorable experience.
3. A healthy microclimate for business activities was created, which has led to increase of local income.
4. Decrease of burglaries and traffic accidents was achieved.
5. Municipality expenditure for the maintenance of the public lighting was reduced.
Results
After the reconstruction and modernization, the number of illuminants was slightly decreased, while monthly expenses of the municipality for electricity were reduced 11,6 times. Public lighting indicators radically improved (color of light, brightness, balance of light spread, etc.), and street lighting functions all the year round.
After the reconstruction and modernization, the number of illuminants was slightly decreased, while monthly expenses of the municipality for electricity were reduced 11,6 times. Public lighting indicators radically improved (color of light, brightness, balance of light spread, etc.), and street lighting functions all the year round.
[Nominate]
back