EU Cohesion policy: over €63 million for improved drinking water and wastewater services in Burgas district, east Bulgaria
Getty Images: Yevhen RoshchynThe European Commission has approved an investment of more than €63 million from the Cohesion Fund to provide better access to drinking water and improved sewerage for the people living in the district of Burgas, in east Bulgaria near the Black Sea. This integrated project will improve the efficiency and sustainability of existing facilities by reducing leakage as well as operating costs, and improving connections. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “This project will contribute to improve the quality of life of nearly 280,000 people thanks to a more reliable clean water supply while further 53,000 people will benefit from better wastewater systems. Moreover, this major project has an important significance for the environment, thanks to increased sustainability of water sources”. The renewed infrastructure includes around 7 km of new water supply network and 158 km that will be rebuilt, improving the quality of drinking water and increasing the efficiency of supply networks, reducing current water losses. In addition, 73 km of sewerage pipe will be laid and 22 km will be rebuilt, alongside the renovation of sewage pressure tanks and wastewater collectors and the installation of new rainwater collectors. The project will ensure compliance with the EU legislation and high environmental standards. Finally, a new wastewater treatment facility is expected to become operational in March 2023. More information regarding EU funded investments in Bulgaria is available on the Open Data Platform.
