European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) Cohesion Fund will jointly fund a project which aims to improve the water services for Mehedinți county in Romania.
SC Secom, the local water and wastewater service provider in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, will carry out the project to modernize and upgrade its network that serves around 300,000 people.
The project will see an investment of around €72.9m, of which €5.7m will be a long-term loan extension by EBRD.
EU will provide around €57.1m for the project from Romania’s EU Cohesion Fund Programme, the remaining will come from state funds of €8.7m and local budget offer €1.4m.
Drobeta-Turnu Severin mayor Constantin Gherge said: "The project envisages the extension of water and wastewater utilities which are much needed for a community to be comfortable and thrive."
The funds will be used to expand and upgrade the company’s water and wastewater network across 10 towns including Drobeta Turnu Severin, Baia de Arama, Strehaia, Vânju-Mare, Simian, Cujmir, Brani?te, Gura Vaii, Comanda and Rogova.
Work under the project will include the upgradation of four wastewater treatment plant, along with improvements for 13 new water-pumping stations, 10 new reservoirs and 27 wastewater pumping stations.
The project, which is expected to improve potable water quality in the region to meet EU directives, will also include the rehabilitation and extension of over 200km of water and wastewater networks.
It is also aimed to improve the quality and increase access to the water and sewerage services in the region.
Upgrades under the project are also expected to reduce water and energy losses, and eliminate 415 tonnes of CO2-equivalent annually.
EBRD Romania director Matteo Patrone said: "Our goal is to develop a sustainable water and wastewater system in Mehedin?i. Improving the quality of services and reducing the negative impact of wastewater discharges means improving the quality of life for local residents."
SC Secom director general George Lupulescu said: "The EBRD’s investment will provide co-financing, which will enable our company to implement a substantial investment programme co-financed by EU Cohesion Funds.
"The implementation of the project marks an important step in improving water and wastewater treatment, while the EBRD’s environmental and social policies support the development of SC Secom as the regional water operator."
Image: The EBRD invests in the improvement of four wastewater treatment plants. Photo: courtesy of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.