MINSK, 27 July (BelTA) – Belarus will use grants of the Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership (NDEP) and the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) to improve water quality in seven towns. Corresponding agreements were signed at the Housing and Utilities Ministry of Belarus on 27 July, BelTA has learned.
The bulk of financing for the project “Belarus Water Sector Framework Third Phase” will be provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The EBRD loans under the framework are estimated at €26.8 million. These funds will be used to upgrade water/wastewater treatment facilities in Kletsk, Lyuban, Fanipol, Baranovichi, Beryoza, Zhlobin and Shklov. The project period is 2020-2024.
On 27 July, agreements were signed to raise additional financing (grants) of the Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership (NDEP) and the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P).
Housing and Utilities Minister Andrei Khmel emphasized that Belarus is party to many conventions on environmental protection. The country seeks to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. One of such goals is access to quality water for all, and the framework will contribute to achieving this goal.
Head of the European Union's Delegation to Belarus Dirk Schuebel noted that both funds were established thanks to the initiative of the European Union, and the EU is the biggest donor.
“We are glad that this project will help finance wastewater facilities in small towns. The project will improve the quality of water provision and generate substantial transboundary benefits,” Dirk Schuebel added.
