EBRD approves loan for wastewater improvements in Bosnia

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a loan of €5m to help the municipality of Cazin in Bosnia improve wastewater management in the region.

The funds extended to the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be utilised by public utility company JKP Vodovod Cazin to finance the expansion of the wastewater collection network and construct a wastewater treatment plant.

Technical cooperation funds of €350,000 were provided from EBRD’s Shareholder Special Fund and the European Western Balkans Joint Fund provided €296,970 for a feasibility study.

Other international donors are also contemplating to co-finance up to €6m for the wastewater improvement programme.

The upgrades to the Cazin’s wastewater infrastructure are expected to benefit nearly 70,000 residents, reduce burdens on the environment and improve wastewater infrastructure.

EBRD president Suma Chakrabarti said that the project represents an important step forward in the infrastructure development of the Cazin municipality.

"As it combines benefits for the population, the environment and the local economy its success will serve as an example for all of Bosnia and Herzegovina," he said.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Finance and Treasury Minister Nikola Spiric said: "First of all, this project will contribute to improved quality of utility services in the Cazin municipality and it will have a strong environmental impact, not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also in neighbouring municipalities in the Republic of Croatia."

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Image: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has approved a loan to support the upgrade of wastewater infrastructure in the municipality of Cazin in Bosnia. Photo: courtesy of EBRD.