Zubin Potok, 31.07.2025 – The Minister in office of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, has closely visited the works that are being carried out in the rehabilitation project of the Ibër-Lepenc canal in Zubin Potok, an important project for the safety and long-term functionality of this strategic infrastructure.

This project, worth over 13 million euros, is nearing completion and is supported by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo in cooperation with the World Bank.

The Minister emphasized that after a problematic contract that was inherited and was minimally implemented for years, only 10%, the progress made over the last two years is significant. After the termination of the contract and its re-announcement, the implementation of the project has now reached about 90% and is expected to be completed in the coming months.

“With this project, we are increasing the security of the Ibër-Lepenc canal – a vital artery for energy, agriculture and water supply for about 500,000 citizens in central Kosovo. This canal is not just water supply – it is life and security for our country”, declared Minister Rizvanolli.

She also recalled the rapid repair of the damage caused by the terrorist attack of November 29, 2024, where the immediate response of the project team and the Ibër-Lepenc Corporation ensured the continuity of water supply in a critical period.

Works to date include:

• Repair of aqueducts (2,586 m)
• Construction of the Buffer Reservoir with a capacity of 30,000 m³
• Reconstruction of trapezoidal and rectangular channels
• Construction of water distribution boxes, protective nets, retaining walls and environmental protection systems.

Of the 49 km of the canal, 20 km are open sections and of these, 10 km – which were in most urgent need of intervention – are being rehabilitated within the framework of this project.

Through this investment, the sustainable functionality of the canal is ensured, water losses are reduced and the country’s water security is strengthened.

Minister Rizvanolli thanked the Ibër Lepenci team, the Board and management, as well as the project team for the commitment and professionalism shown in the implementation of this major project.