The water quality of streams and rivers in Kosovo* has deteriorated over the years, including because of the direct discharge of untreated wastewater and the indiscriminate disposal of solid waste. The rivers downstream of larger municipalities (especially Pristina) are so heavily polluted that water cannot be used for water supplies and, in some places, not even for irrigation.
To contribute to addressing these concerns, WBIF has financed the preparation of feasibility studies for wastewater treatment plants in seven major cities in Kosovo: Pristina, Mitrovica, Prizren, Gjakova, Peja, Ferizaj, and Gjilan. The purpose of feasibility studies was to examine the operating cycles of water utilities, support the preparation of long-term strategic investment plans for water supply and wastewater collection and treatment, and identify priority investment programmes that are cost-effective and sustainable.
As a direct continuation of the previously provided support, WBIF allocated another €0.5m TA grant for the update of the Feasibility Study for Pristina. The aim of the Feasibility Study was to develop a Master Plan for the Service Region of the Regional Water Company Pristina based on a thorough analysis of the network. The study comprised, inter alia, flushing of sewage network/ removal of sediments, camera inspection of sewers, hydraulic modelling of the sewer and rainwater systems, completion of information on the existing sewage and rainwater network, classification of problems and prioritization of investments, preliminary designs, preparation of documentation for permission process in Kosovo, ESIA, climate risk assessment, and institutional analysis of partners/sector.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence
