The proposed water supply project in Delcevo is part of SECO’s longstanding support to water sector in Macedonia. In its accession process towards EU membership, Macedonia harmonized over the years its national water legislation with the EU regulation but did not provide the financial and technical means to implement it. The Macedonian legislation is compliant with EU Directive on Urban Wastewater Treatment (91/271/EC) and the Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC). The implementation of the legislation remains however a major challenge, as public investments for rehabilitation/construction of water supply systems, wastewater treatment plants and sewage systems are limited. As a result many investments are undertaken by international and bilateral donors. SECO has been supporting the water and sanitation sector of Macedonia since 1994 with 9 projects with a total value of 65 million CHF. It has been active in most regions of the country, be they predominantly Macedonian or Albanese.

The proposed project is part of SECO and SDC programmatic approach in the Bregalnica region. Following the recommendations of the appraisal study on the Macedonian water sector undertaken in 2004, SECO decided to make of the Bregalnica river basin one of its pole of intervention as it was neglected by other donors. Delcevo’s water treatment plant is SECO’s fourth water project in the Bregalnica river basin.

The proposed project aims at 1) building a water treatment plant in the city of Delcevo, 2) connecting two large villages to the main supply system- 3) installing two renewable energy production facilities and 4) providing corporate development support to the Delcevo Public Utility (PU).

If phase 1 proves to be successful and the commitment of the Delcevo PU and municipality remain strong throughout phase 1, a second phase will be envisaged and include the construction of a waste water treatment plant. The second phase is however not the purpose of this credit proposal.

The overall objective of the project is to improve the water quality of the river Breganica and contribute to the economic development of the region, namely its industry, agriculture and tourism. Citizens will have access to better drinking water leading to better living conditions. The project will also help Macedonia fulfil the EU directives on drinking water treatment. The specific objectives of the project include the following:

Drinking drinking water quality and supply have improved in Delcevo.

The Delcevo water supply system is improved and is available at affordable cost.

The Delcevo Public Utility has improved its financial and operational management.

Improved water resources management in Delcevo city supports climate change adaptation.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

The new WTP is constructed and the water supply network is extended to the villages of Dzvegor and Gabrovo.

The small hydropower plant (50 KW) capacity) is built and the solar panels (13 KW) are installed.

The water losses are detected and reduced.

Financial and operational management measures are taken.

Water users are informed about water supply issues.

Phase 1 31.07.2016 - 31.12.2025   (Active)