EBRD invests in water and sanitation services in Smolyan, Bulgaria
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has agreed a €5.8 million loan to the Smolyan Water Supply and Sanitation Company in Bulgaria for a project to improve water and wastewater services.
The financing comprises €3.1 million from the EBRD and €2.7 million from the EU's European Structural and Investment Funds. The EU will further co-finance the investment with €34.8 million in grants.
Up to 100,000 people in the Smolyan region in southern Bulgaria will benefit from the project. The operation will modernise and extend municipal services in line with EU directives for the population of the Smolyan district. The investment will reduce potable water losses, increase the share of the population connected to the sewer system to 99% and increase the volume of wastewater treated before being discharged.