East Slovak Water Company Faces Scrutiny Over Hiring Practices
The East Slovak Water Company, a vital provider of drinking water and wastewater treatment to much of eastern Slovakia, is responding to questions regarding the hiring of a family member of a politically connected official. The controversy highlights the increased public interest surrounding the actions of this publicly-held utility, owned by cities and municipalities.
The concerns center on Gabriela Puciová, daughter of Róbert Puci, a long-time member of parliament and current member of the supervisory board of the water company since 2011. Puci, representing the Voice party (previously Direction), plays a key role in overseeing the waterworks’ executive management, financial statements, and internal documents.
According to reports received by the editors of Korzár, Puciová was hired into the investment department without a standard selection process. Concerns were raised regarding her qualifications, specifically a perceived lack of construction or technical knowledge and relevant academic credentials.
The company, through its media representative Penelope agency, confirmed Puciová’s employment as a technical worker. A company statement asserted that the position is “a non-management and non-decision-making position with a focus on the processing of map documents and an administrative-legal agenda related to buildings, which corresponds to the qualifications of Ms. Puciová, who is a student of the Faculty of Law and has practical experience from previous employment in a renowned law firm.” The company further stated the one-year employment contract included a trial period.
However, the company’s explanation regarding the hiring process appeared to contradict standard procedure. While acknowledging the position became vacant following a previous employee’s departure, a company spokesperson indicated the role was filled based on interviews with candidates already registered in the company’s database as “suitable applicants.” Puciová reportedly underwent three rounds of interviews.
The water company maintains it investigates potential family connections during the hiring process but adheres to anti-discrimination laws. “In the framework of the internal regulations, control mechanisms are adopted that prevent preference for the filling of a job or other favoring of family members within the organizational structure,” a company release stated, refuting any claims of patronage.
The situation arrives amid broader discussions regarding the ownership and operation of Slovakia’s water infrastructure, as evidenced by recent assurances from Taraba regarding the absence of hidden privatization efforts. This latest development is likely to fuel further scrutiny of the East Slovak Water Company and its governance practices.
