Clean Water for 5,000 people: EU and Partners Finance Improvements to Visoko Water Supply
Contracts were signed today in Visoko to launch the third and final phase of the Visoko Water Supply Project. Financed by a €1.1 million grant from the European Union and bilateral donors through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), and complemented by funds from the City of Visoko, this milestone will secure permanent, safe drinking water for around 5,000 residents across seven settlements in the Mostre area.
DHoD Visoko EU - WBIF
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to BiH, Adebayo Babajide, emphasised the tangible impact of the investment: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country blessed with abundant natural water sources. Yet, due to aging infrastructure, many local communities still struggle to access clean, safe drinking water in their homes. Every citizen in this country deserves water quality that meets high EU standards. I am proud that the EU consistently stands by BiH citizens to make that a reality. What we are signing today in Visoko is EU support in action—tangibly improving daily life. By building this new reservoir and pipeline network, 5,000 citizens will finally gain permanent, safe water right in their homes."
The project will construct the new Dubrave water reservoir and install modern pipelines, drastically reducing water losses and securing a modern, reliable system.
“The very fact that this is an investment worth 3 million convertible marks demonstrates its financial significance. However, its value goes far beyond that, as our citizens will gain access to a reliable water supply. What is also important to emphasize today is that, with the completion of this project, 92% of the territory of the City of Visoko will be covered by the water supply network. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our international partners, who have been extremely supportive throughout the process. In addition to their financial assistance, they also provided valuable technical expertise,” said Mirza Ganić, Mayor of Visoko.
DHoD Visoko EU - WBIF
The overall Visoko Water Supply Project has been a multi-phase effort to completely modernise the city's water network. The first two phases were successfully completed with financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the City of Visoko. This final phase—backed by the joint WBIF grant and municipal funds—completes the project.
“The EBRD is proud to have supported Visoko in its efforts to modernise its water network, providing over €4.5 million in loans and securing additional grant funds from the donors of WBIF. This investment builds on our broader support for water supply and wastewater projects across Bosnia and Herzegovina, including in Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Gradačac. Together with the EU, WBIF and local partners, we remain committed to delivering modern municipal services that improve everyday life for citizens,” said Josip Polic, Senior Banker for infrastructure sector, EBRD.
DHoD Visoko EU - WBIF
Improving water and sanitation infrastructure remains an important priority for Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards EU membership and contributes to the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Through the WBIF and other investment programmes, the European Union continues to support municipalities across Bosnia and Herzegovina in upgrading water supply and wastewater infrastructure, helping improve environmental standards and the quality of life of citizens. In the past two decades, the EU has invested almost EUR 180 million in water management infrastructure in BiH, through WBIF and Instrument for Pre-Accession funds.