Technical Assistance for Nikšić Wastewater Management System completed

The Nikšić Wastewater Management System: Sewerage Network Phase II technical assistance project has been successfully completed. The project outcomes were shared with all stakeholders at a closing meeting on 30 October 2024 at the Municipality of Niksic.

The project was funded by a €600,000 WBIF grant for technical assistance. The project’s estimated budget of €14.54 million for implementation will be financed through a WBIF Investment Grant (€10.40 million), a European Investment Bank loan (€3 million), and local contributions.

Representatives from the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, the European Investment Bank, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, the Municipality of Niksic, the Water and Wastewater Company of Niksic, PROCON, and Consultant’s (IPF8) experts attended the meeting.

The technical assistance included the preparation of a Feasibility Study, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Detailed Design, and Tender Documents for construction works, as well as supervision services for accession to the grant and loan finance.

The primary objective of the project is the construction of a sewage network in the settlements of Dragova Luka, Ćemenca, Oštrovac, and Rubeža. This infrastructure development will improve the operating parameters of the wastewater treatment plant in Nikšić Municipality, with a capacity of 110,000 population equivalent. The increased wastewater treatment capacity will address the existing wastewater challenges in Nikšić Municipality, ensuring the long-term protection of the rivers Zeta and Bistrica. This achievement will have a significant positive impact on the environment, public health, and overall improvement in the quality of life.

All stakeholders involved expressed their satisfaction with the progress made during the implementation phase of the project.

Valentina Di Sebastiano, EUD Programme Manager, highlighted: “The European Union cooperation focuses on important priorities, including the ecological state of Montenegro and the well-being of its citizens. This project’s positive conclusion enables the launch of an important investment for the citizens of Nikšić, with a EU grant support covering 70% of the total costs. We look forward to working with national and local authorities to ensure the investment is completed by the end of 2028”. 

Lijana Jančauskienė, EIB, Water Sector Principal Advisor, remarked: “As the EU's climate bank, we are proud to have provided substantial support to Montenegro's water sector, with €65 million invested since 2010. These funds have contributed to the construction of new water and sewerage infrastructure, such as the case with this project, which will enhance water supply, improve access to sanitation services, and safeguard the environment."

Dragutin Sekulović, Chief executive manager PROCON - LLC "PROJECT – CONSULTING" National Project Implementation Unit in the Field of Communal Services and Environment, expressed: “The success of this project is the result of strong teamwork of all participants. We are very proud of PROCON’s role, particularly in securing grants for the preparation of technical documentation and for co-financing the investment, with the support of the Municipality of Nikšić, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of European Affairs, as well as European partners, especially the European Investment Bank and the EU Delegation in Montenegro. With the financial framework secured, we are ready to proceed and will continue supporting the Municipality of Nikšić and State of Montenegro in this important development.”