The WPIP MIP V programme has officially started the construction phase. After a voluminous work in the feasibility study, architectural and engineering projects, the implementation phase is now underway, where thanks to the support of KfW, the European Union and SECO through the WPIP/MIP V Program (Program of Performance and Investments in the Water Sector / Program of Municipal Infrastructure V), 125.6 million euros are planned to be invested in the 6 regional water companies Shkodër, Lezhë, Elbasan, Fier, Berat and Vlorë, which will benefit 30% of the population of Albania and 50% of the population in the areas urban of the country.
In addition to improving water supply services, the WPIP/MIP V project also covers the construction of wastewater collection and treatment systems.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Friday, 15 March 2024 at the Fier Regional Water and Sewerage Company, for which around 13.5 million euros have been allocated for the construction of the new pumping station in Kafraj of Fier, accompanied by four new wells and the rehabilitation of the existing ones.
In this ceremony was present the Deputy Prime Minister, at the same time the Minister for Energy and Infrastructure, Mrs. Belinda Balluku who appreciated the support of this project for overcoming the difficulties presented by the improvement of drinking water supply and sewage treatment.
“We are optimistic that with all the great difficulties that the sector presents, we are convinced that with the support of our partners and here it is never a mistake to re-thank the German Government, to re-thank the Swiss Government and all the institutions with which they are represented here, the work thanks to the ambassadors and above all the European Union, the European Commission for all the support they are giving to Albania in these moments through the programs of ÚBIF and of course IPA, we are convinced that success is guaranteed”, said Minister Balluku.
The head of the European Union delegation in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, assessed this project as extremely important, which guarantees the same standards as those of the European Union countries.
“As Albania moves forward with its negotiation process, it needs to mobilize resources, harmonize laws with EU environmental standards. This is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges because it requires substantial investments, including financial ones, but also changes in legislation and changes in people’s mentality and culture”, underlined the head of the EU delegation in Albania, Silvio Gonzato.
The pumping station in Kafarajt Fier was built in 1964 and since then it has not been re-modernized, which for the German Ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Karl Bergner, presents a necessity for the need of this investment.
“The infrastructure that we will build here will create new jobs, stimulate employment, contribute to economic development. I want to thank the technical experts of KFW, international partners, state agencies and the regional water company. But there is one person I want to thank especially, he is the technician who keeps this pumping station in operation, which was built in 1964 and continues to work, so he is the everyday hero”, said the German ambassador Mr. Bergner.
Partner in this project is the Swiss government where the ambassador Mrs. Ruth Huber underlined the importance of the implementation of this project.
“Improving the water sector is a common goal. For almost 2 decades, together with KfW, we have contributed to very important improvements in water and sewage systems in several cities and regions. As a result of the major investment that we will start today, 470,000 citizens will benefit from the supply of drinking water,” said the Swiss ambassador, Mrs. Huber.
In addition to improving the drinking water supply system, the investment in the Fier Regional Water and Sewerage Company offers a better management of it as well. Thanks to this investment, the installation of 45 kilometers of water supply pipeline and 2,300 new connections is foreseen. The renovation of the SCADA system will enable real-time control of the water supply, which will significantly contribute to the reduction of losses in the network.
WPIP – MIP V foresees the investment also in the waste water system, where for UKR Fier the existing network will be rehabilitated and a new pumping station will be built.
