European bank provides financing for Romania’s water infrastructure

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has allocated a RON55.5m (€12.8m) loan to upgrade water supply and wastewater infrastructure in Galati, Romania.

The loan will allow Galati-based water utility company, SC APA Canal SA Galati, to finance investments in water treatment, supply and distribution networks as well as wastewater collection and treatment.

The project will provide pure water and sanitation to five towns including Galati, Tecuci, Targu Bujor, Pechea and Liesti, benefiting 400,000 residents.

EBRD director for municipal and environmental infrastructure, Jean-Patrick Marquet, said: "With this important investment, the EBRD is continuing to play a key role in providing finance for the modernisation of Romania’s water sector. This new investment will help bring the operations of SC APA Canal SA Galati in line with EU environmental standards and ensure quality water supply and sanitation services to its customers."

A €200m Regional EU Cohesion Fund Co-financing Framework was launched in 2010 to assist important investments in Romania’s water and wastewater infrastructure.

The bank has spent over €5.7bn in Romania’s economy since the start of its operations in the country.