EU Support to Waste Water Management

Overall Objective

To enhance the implementation of the National Water Reform Strategy and the progress of Albania towards the EU water legislation requirements by reducing the pollution of Adriatic coastal waters through strengthened capacities and operation and maintenance of wastewater infrastructure along the coast, particularly in selected municipalities.

Activities

• Assessment of the operation and performance of selected coastal water and sewerage utilities

• Review or design Action Plans for improving the performance of the selected utilities

• Provision of best practices and tailor-made technical training for the utilities

• Definition and provision of essential equipment for the implementation of the utilities’ Action Plans

• Assessment of the current management and operation of the National Agency for Water Supply & Waste Water and Solid Waste, including of the appropriateness of the accountability and reporting lines to the responsible ministry, and provision of proposals for improved systems

• Assessment of the performance monitoring system of water and sewerage utilities and proposals for improved systems

• Assessment of the schemes in place for supporting and training water and sewerage utilities and proposals for improved systems

• Assessment of the planning and implementation of wastewater infrastructure actions, and provision of tailor-made support

• Drawing up of an implementation plan for compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment directive updated/in place, including estimates of investment costs and monitoring requirements, with a specific focus on wastewater treatment plants along the coast

• Provision of training to the National Agency staff

• Setting up / strengthening permanent technical units to operate the concerned wastewater treatment plants’ facilities

• Technical capacity building and support for the operation and maintenance of wastewater systems

• Elaboration of wastewater treatment plants maintenance and improvement plans

• Reviewing/elaborating programs for monitoring the quality of affluents

• Provision of technical training to the wastewater treatment plants units and staff with regards to operation and maintenance

• Definition and provision of essential equipment for proper operation and maintenance of wastewater systems

• General information, awareness-raising campaigns and surveys on water-related issues

• Focused awareness-raising actions for users and decision-makers

• Support stakeholder groups to better organise and constructively participate in policy and legislative dialogue

• Dissemination of materials and success stories

Expected Results

• The performance of selected wastewater utilities along the coast of Albania is improved
• The capacities of the new National Agency for Water Supply & Sewerage and Waste Infrastructure (AKUM) are strengthened, with particular focus on the wastewater sub-sector
• The existing coastal wastewater treatment plants are operated and maintained adequately
• The awareness and participation of all stakeholders are increased in line with the EU acquis requirements and the principles of public administration