Prishtina, 1 June 2010 – The Government of Republic of Kosovo signed a cooperation agreement with the Swiss Confederation, on the provision of financial assistance for the improvement of water supply in Southeast Kosovo at the amount of 8 million and four hundred thousand Swiss franks.

The Minister of Economic Development Besim Beqaj signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Kosovo, whereas the Swiss Ambassador in Prishtina Lukas Beglinger signed on behalf of the Swiss Government.

Minister Beqaj said after the signing that this is a project aimed at improving water supply for the southeastern part of Kosovo, namely Ferizaj and Gjilan municipalities, costing over 8 million Swiss franks, of which over 7 million are funded by Switzerland while 1 million euro are allocated by the Government, through MED.

“The objective of this project is to improve the infrastructure and enhance management in these enterprises, and by the time the project is concluded, the companies will be ready and self-sustainable and will not require any state or donor support”, said Beqaj.

On the other hand, Swiss Ambassador Lukas Beglinger expressed his satisfaction to date with the state of Kosovo in general, and in the field of improvement of the system of waters in special.

He highly appreciated the work of the Ministry of Economic Development, the municipalities and the regional water supply companies for the contribution given in this project, assessing that this is a good sign that local authorities are addressing the problems viewed to be crucial for the improvement of its citizens’ lives.

The overall objective of this project agreement is further improvement of water supply and water quality in the municipalities of Ferizaj and Gjilan as well as the enhancement of the sustainability of RWSC Bifurkacioni and RWSC Hidromorava.

The project encompasses the establishment of a new zone in the existing urban pipelines, the construction of a circuit control room, replacement and repairs of the pipelines in Ferizaj, etc; in Gjilan, works will include the new reservoir with two compartments of overall capacity of 3000m3 and the connection of pipes and valves with the existing grid.

The overall project cost is 8.4 million Swiss franks, of which Switzerland will contribute 7 million, Ministry of Economic Development will contribute 74 thousand, Municipality of Ferizaj 220 thousand and Municipality of Gjilan 80 thousand.