Water Supply and Sewerage Systems in Himara Municipality and Its Coastal Villages

Albania is facing challenges with regard to the provision of quality water supply and wastewater services to its citizens. The existing water supply systems consist of old networks causing a high rate of water losses and with wells with often insufficient capacity for the increasing demand especially during summer peak. Some rural communities do not yet have water supply systems, while the planned extension of economic and touristic activities need the development of basic infrastructure for water supply. These problems induce difficult living conditions and contribute among others to health hazards and poverty.

The Albanian Government with international support is tackling these issues through Rural Water Supply Programmes. Two WBIF technical assistance grants (with a combined value of €2.5 million) supported the preparation of feasibility studies in various rural areas of Albania, as well as Detailed Design and Tender Dossier for the water supply and sewerage systems in the Himara Municipality. The investments under this project cover the construction or reconstruction of water supply systems (consisting of spring captures, transmission lines, reservoirs, distribution networks, and house connections) and complementary emergency wastewater measures. The project is expected to yield numerous benefits including: