EBRD lends up to €25 million for new wastewater treatment plant in Kosovo

• First wastewater treatment plant in Podujeva will provide better sanitation for up to 50,000 people
• EBRD funds will also be used to expand and improve local sewerage network and construct a small-scale plant using nature-based solutions
• Fourth wastewater treatment plant funded by EBRD in Kosovo, following projects in Ferizaj, Gjilan and Mitrovica

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending a sovereign loan of up to €25 million to Kosovo’s Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers for the benefit of the Regional Water Company Prishtina to improve the treatment of sewage, via the construction of two wate water treatment plants and the expansion of the network .

This loan will finance the construction of the first wastewater treatment plant in Podujeva, a major city in north-west Kosovo, which is located 27 km from Pristina. 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.

The EBRD’s Head of Kosovo, Sergiy Maslichenko, said: “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.”

The Kosovan Minister of Finance, Labour and Transfers, Hekuran Murati, emphasised 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 Mayor of the Municipality of Podujeva, Shpejtim Bulliqi, said: “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.”

Regional Water Company Prishtina is the state-owned water and wastewater management company that serves the Pristina region, which includes 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 €270,000. The EBRD will also help the company to secure additional technical cooperation and investment grants in order to make this investment more feasible and affordable for the Kosovan government.

Historically, municipal infrastructure in Kosovo has suffered from a lack of investment in wastewater services. This investment has become a priority for the government in order to provide better sanitation for the Kosovan people and tackle growing environmental concerns. The EBRD has played a key role in supporting the government’s efforts, providing financing for three other wastewater treatment plants in Ferizaj, Gjilan and Mitrovica.

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 €770 million in the country through 120 projects to date.