The reconstruction of sewage treatment facilities in Vitebsk will begin in 2016

The reconstruction of sewage treatment facilities in Vitebsk is planned to begin in 2016 with the involvement of loan resources from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This was announced at a meeting of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee by Yuri Dyadelo, Head of the Housing and Communal Services Department.

Under the framework project "Municipal and Environmental Infrastructure," the EBRD is implementing measures in the water supply and sanitation sector, among others. Specifically, the investment project "Belarus: Environmental Infrastructure Project" provides for the comprehensive reconstruction of treatment facilities and sewerage systems in several cities of the country, including Vitebsk. In accordance with the agreement, the bank undertakes to provide Belarus with loan funds amounting to 18 million 255 thousand euros, including 12.5 million euros for Vitebsk facilities.

"Grant funds are also being attracted – 6.2 million euros. The commencement of construction and installation works in Vitebsk is scheduled for mid-2016. The second phase of the project provides for the reconstruction and modernization of treatment facilities in Orsha and the completion of the construction of treatment facilities in Polotsk. Currently, preliminary discussions on design and loan agreements are underway for the second stage. Loan funds totaling 15.8 million euros, as well as grant funds amounting to 7 million euros, are planned to be attracted for the works in these cities," added Yuri Dyadelo. He also noted that this is not the first experience of attracting European assistance for facilities in Vitebsk. In 2014, the implementation of a project to improve biological wastewater treatment and remove biogenic pollutants began at the treatment facilities of the regional center. The modernization of water treatment facilities is conceived as an experimental project under the framework program for environmental infrastructure in Belarus. Its overall goal is to improve the water quality in the Western Dvina (Daugava) River, the Gulf of Riga, and the Baltic Sea.

Ekaterina Knyazeva, BELTA.