Three potential models for management, construction and sustainable operation of the waste water treatment plant in Skopje were presented at Friday’s workshop held aimed at finding the best way in meeting the European and national standards for environmental protection.
The project ‘Study for the financing, construction and operation of a waste water treatment plant in Skopje’ is realized through financial support of the Private Sector Aid Fund– FASEP and the French government.
Environment Minister Bashkim Ameti, Skopje Mayor Koce Trajanovski, and French Ambassador Laurence Auer attended the workshop.
Trajanovski said that the construction of the future wastewater treatment plant in Skopje is one of the most important and largest projects of the city. Preparations including activities for establishing fecal and storm sewers and installations for required quality of the wastewater are ongoing. He said that tender has been already announced for construction of main sewage collectors on right and left side of Vardar river which will be financed through IPA program.
Ameti said that the project is of significant national and trans-boundary importance for environmental protection and expressed hope that the study will define the best approach for construction and management of the wastewater treatment plant.
Ambassador Auer thanked the City of Skopje and Ministry of Environment for the support of the project, which is being implemented for 17 months since it represents large complicated project that requires a lot of preparation. She underlined that today’s attendance show how much importance is given to the entire project.
The presented models include several opportunities for public-private partnerships and ways on management of the waste water treatment plant, and according to initial estimates the capital investment for construction amounts EUR 120 million. The first and simplest option provides 100 percent public management, the second one foresees signing agreements for construction and payment by the city for the service, while the third is concessionaire selection.