Swiss grant to rehabilitate water supply in Lezh렠

TIRANA, Nov. 21 – A new project agreement was signed this week between the government of Albania and Switzerland enabling Lezh롴own and the Sh쯧jin coastal area, northern Albania, to rehabilitate water and sewerage systems. Swiss Ambassador Yvana Enzler, the Minister of Finance, Ridvan Bode and the Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Sokol Olldashi, signed the agreement that opens the way for a grant of 10.5 million Euros. “We are progressing by another step towards providing Albanian citizens with functional water supply systems,” said the Swiss Ambassador during her speech. After mentioning the cases of Pogradec and Shkod철where Swiss contribution made possible the rehabilitation of water and sewerage systems, Ambassador Enzler added that this new project will replicate the success story this time in Lezh롡nd Sh쯧jin. Both in Pogradec and Shkod철the water supply now runs for 24 hours a day – a standard yet to be achieved by other urban centres in Albania. The project will be carried out in cooperation with KfW and the Swiss contribution covering the rehabilitation of the drinking water network, establishment of new connections, replacement of a well in Barbulloja, placement of a new water reservoir, as well as installation of mechanical and network devices and leak detection equipment. In addition, the Swiss fund will be used to refurbish the sewerage system, to provide consultancy for the project planning and supervision and study on waste water disposal and to improve management and administrative capacities of Lezh롷ater utility. It is expected that 45,000 inhabitants in Lezh롡nd Sh쯧jin will enjoy non-stop running water in their homes and will also have a safer and functional sewerage system. This will have an impact in the local economy, protection of environment and in the touristic potential of Sh쯧jin.