Gostivar Water Supply System II, North Macedonia

Water systems in the Republic of Macedonia are characterized by high water losses, old and deteriorated assets. Water cuts and shortages, especially in the summer period, are common. So far, SECO addressed these issues in two cities in Macedonia: Berovo and Gostivar. With the Gostivar Water Supply Supply System II project, SECO plans, in collaboration with the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), to build upon the achievements of the first phases of SECO and KfW water projects in Gostivar to further improve the sustainability of water services in the municipality.

The overall objective of the project is to improve the living conditions and the economic opportunities of the inhabitants in the Municipality of Gostivar. The water supply system will be improved and made available at affordable costs.

The specific objectives of the project are the following:

1) The main components of the Gostivar water supply system are rehabilitated.

2) The Gostivar Water Public Utility has improved its financial and operational management

3) Improved water resources management in Gostivar supports climate change adaptation

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

The financial and operational management of Gostivar Water Company is improved.

Expected results:  

The targeted water supply infrastructure is rehabilitated in Gostivar and the planned new infrastructure is built.

The water losses are detected and reduced.

Financial and operational management measures are taken.

Water users are informed about water supply issues.

Results from previous phases:  

The first phase of SECO project in Gostivar started in 2012 and shall be completed by the end of 2015. The project is composed of 2 components: a) a software component (elaboration of the Drinking Water Master Plan with the list of priority investments) and b) a hardware component (execution of urgent works such as cross connection pipeline, bulk-meters, new reservoir, and spring water protection). The software component has been completed, while the hardware component is on-going.

The first phase of KfW project in Gostivar was implemented during 2013-2014. The project had two components: a) equipment and works (replacement of water meters, rehabilitation of pipes, valve replacement etc) and b) institutional strengthening of the Gostivar Water Public Utility (e.g. improvement of PU financial management, billing and collection rates, staff performance, reduction of non revenue water etc.).

The present joint SECO-KfW project builds on the results of KfW and SECO’s former projects in Gostivar.

Phase 2 01.01.2016 - 30.06.2024   (Active)