Germany assists water supply and sewerage in Shkodra

TIRANA, April 22 – Germany is assisting the environmental protection of Lake Shkodra with a Euro 20 million project improving water supply and sewerage on the Albanian side of lake which is shared with Montenegro and is the biggest in the Balkans.
Speaking this week after signing the deal with German Ambassador to Albania Hellmut Hoffmann, Albanian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Edmond Haxhinasto said the project would have a major impact on the improvement of the water supply situation in the country’s biggest northern city and protect Shkodra lake from sewerage.
“Although having taken considerably investments, the water supply and sewerage sector faces serious challenges with regard to increasing the capacity and investment opportunities by local companies offering these services,” said Haxhinasto.
Areas close to Shkodra lake also face frequent flooding in times of heavy rains and the opening of gates from local hydropower plants.
The German government through the KfW development bank is one of the key donors in water supply and sewerage projects in Albania.
The water supply situation in Albania continues remaining critical. Data show water supply across Albania ranges from 4 to 24 hours/day with the average being at 11.5 hours in 2013, up from 10.8 hours/day in 2012 and 10.9 in 2011, according to a report Water Regulatory Entity.
The water bill collection rate dropped to 75 percent in 2013, down from 91 percent in 2012 and 80 percent in 2011. Meanwhile, operating cost coverage slightly rose to 84 percent, up from 82.7 percent in 2012 and 79.4 percent in 2011.
Average water supply tariffs during the past three years have increased by 14 percent for household consumers.