EBRD lends up to EUR 25m for new WWTPs in Kosovo

This loan will finance the construction of the first wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Podujeva, a major city in northwest Kosovo, located 27 km from Pristina.

Regional Water Company Prishtina is a state-owned water and wastewater management company that serves the Pristina region, including the municipality of Podujeva.

The new state-of-the-art plant, will serve a population of up to 50,000 people and reduce environmental damage caused by untreated waste being released into the Llapi River, which is polluting nearby surface water resources and rivers.

In addition, the project will also expand and improve the local sewerage network, as well as construct a small-scale wastewater treatment plant, using nature-based solutions.

Historically, municipal infrastructure in Kosovo has suffered from a lack of investment in wastewater services.

This investment has become a priority for the government to provide better sanitation for the Kosovan people and tackle growing environmental concerns.

We are proud to continue supporting key infrastructure projects in Kosovo. This initiative marks another step forward in enhancing the country’s wastewater treatment capabilities, addressing a critical need for improved sanitation and reducing environmental pollution for the well-being of its citizens. Together, we are committed to creating sustainable solutions that drive long-term progress and a healthier future for all, said Sergiy Maslichenko, Head of Kosovo at EBRD.

Continuation of wastewater treatment investments

The Kosovan Minister of Finance, Labour, and Transfers, Hekuran Murati, emphasized that the Kosovan government had already implemented a series of projects aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of its citizens, including wastewater treatment projects in Pristina, Ferizaj, Gjilan, and Mitrovica.

The EBRD has played a key role in supporting the government’s efforts by providing financing for three other WWTPs in Ferizaj, Gjilan, and Mitrovica.

The construction of this plant will not only ensure that wastewater treatment is in line with European standards but also play a key role in reducing river pollution and safeguarding water resources, said Shpejtim Bulliqi, Mayor of the Municipality of Podujeva.

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) is supporting Regional Water Company Prishtina with the preparation of the project by providing a grant of EUR 270,000.

The EBRD will also help the company secure additional technical cooperation and investment grants to make this investment more feasible and affordable for the Kosovan government.

This project is fully aligned with the Bank’s country strategy for Kosovo, which aims to support the development of more sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Kosovo, having deployed more than EUR 770 million in the country through 120 projects to date.