EU Support to Waste Water Management
German Agency for Development Cooperation (GIZ)
March 2018 - February 2021
Overall Objective
To enhance the implementation of the National Water Reform Strategy and the progress of Albania towards the EU water legislation requirements by reducing the pollution of Adriatic coastal waters through strengthened capacities and operation and maintenance of waste water infrastructure along the coast, particularly in selected municipalities.
Summary of the Project
This project contributed to safeguard and improve the quality of the waters in Albania by enhancing waste water management in line with EU water legislation and best practices. This was done by strengthening the capacities of key actors such as the National Agency and municipal water and sewerage utilities in coastal areas, in order to improve their management and performance and enhance the operation of waste water treatment plants. The project also raised the awareness of economic actors, institutions and the population on water and waste water management issues and cost recovery.
Activities
• Assessment of the operation and performance of selected coastal water and sewerage utilities
• Review or design of Action Plans for improving the performance of the selected utilities
• Provision of best practice and tailor-made technical training for the utilities
• Definition and provision of essential equipment for the implementation of the utilities’ Action Plans
• Assessment of the current management and operation of the National Agency for Water Supply & Waste Water and Solid Waste, including of the appropriateness of the accountability and reporting lines to the responsible ministry, and provision of proposals for improved systems
• Assessment of the performance monitoring system of water and sewerage utilities and proposals for improved systems
• Assessment of the schemes in place towards supporting and training water and sewerage utilities and proposals for improved systems
• Assessment of the planning and implementation of waste water infrastructure actions, and provision of tailor-made support
• Drawing-up of an implementation plan for compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment directive updated/in place, including estimates of investment costs and monitoring requirements, with specific focus on waste water treatment plants along the coast
• Provision of training to the National Agency staff
• Setting up / strengthening permanent technical units to operate the concerned waste water treatment plants’ facilities
• Technical capacity building and support for the operation and maintenance of waste water systems
• Elaboration of waste water treatment plants maintenance and improvement plans
• Reviewing/elaborating programs for monitoring the quality of affluents
• Provision of technical training to the waste water treatment plants units and staff with regards to operation and maintenance
• Definition and provision of essential equipment for proper operation and maintenance of waste water systems
• General information, awareness raising campaigns and surveys on water-related issues
• Focused awareness raising actions for users and decision makers
• Support to stakeholder groups to better organise and constructively participate in policy and legislative dialogue
• Dissemination of materials and success stories
Expected Results
- The performance of selected waste water utilities along the coast of Albania is improved
- The capacities of the new National Agency for Water Supply & Sewerage and Waste Infrastructure (AKUM) are strengthened, with particular focus on the waste water sub-sector
- The existing coastal waste water treatment plants are operated and maintained adequately
- The awareness and participation of all stakeholders is increased in line with the EU acquis requirements and the principles of public administration
Hubert Grandjean
Hubert.GRANDJEAN@eeas.europa.eu
