Podgorica’s water and wastewater system has suffered underinvestment and is, therefore, in poor condition and inadequate for a modern growing city.
Approximately 60% of households have been directly supplied, requiring almost continuous pumping, which significantly increases operating costs. The existing wastewater treatment plant has a capacity of 60,000 population-equivalent, while approximately 200,000 people live in Podgorica. Only around 60% of the urban population has been connected to a sewerage network. The plant receives less than half of the wastewater flow from the city, the rest being discharged untreated via septic tanks or directly to river outfalls.
The objectives of the investment are intended to benefit Podgorica’s growing population and enable the economic development of downstream regions with improved water resources. The investment will substantially reverse water quality deterioration and environmental degradation of economically and ecologically valuable tourist areas along the downstream reaches of the Morača river, Lake Skadar National Park, and the coastline adjoining the lake outlet, with attendant cross border benefits accruing to neighbouring Albania.
WBIF technical assistance grant has funded the feasibility study that comprehensively addressed the needs for the development of water supply and wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure. The study has demonstrated that the proposed intervention is affordable and sustainable over the long term. Its recommendations presented measures for operating efficiencies including leakage reductions, demand management, optimal use of scarce water resources, and more transparent and cost-effective services.
