The extensive project aimed at fundamentally modernizing the outdated water supply infrastructure in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is now progressing into its definitive final stage. This monumental undertaking, which benefits from robust financial and technical support provided by the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), is viewed as a pivotal strategic endeavor. Its successful completion is essential for guaranteeing the long-term resilience and stability of vital water resources for the city’s populace.
The financial scope of the initiative is considerable, with the total cost of the necessary works reaching 30.8 million euros. The entire project timeline is set for full realization by the year 2026. This comprehensive transformation is designed to positively affect six distinct municipalities within the Sarajevo Canton, promising to establish reliable, uninterrupted water provision for an estimated 4,000 households. The financing model is structured through three sequential credit tranches extended by the EIB, which are strategically complemented by non-repayable grant funding secured from the EU. The total financial commitment provided by the EIB in the form of credit obligations stands at 25 million euros.
Technical execution began with the first tranche, a sum of 10 million euros, which was specifically earmarked for the critical reconstruction of the primary pumping system. During this initial phase, engineers uncovered deep-seated systemic flaws, including a high prevalence of unauthorized connections, which were identified as the root cause of significant water loss throughout the network. To address these issues comprehensively, the 3.8 million euros in EU grant funds are being channeled into the modernization of several key operational nodes. This includes upgrading the collectors situated at the Bačevo, Sokolovići, and Stup water sources, as well as enhancing the performance of pumping stations located across the areas of Hrasno, Igman, Hrasnica, Novi Pofalići, and Podhrastovi. A core physical objective across all three phases of the project involves the replacement of approximately 60 kilometers of the aging water distribution network.
Adnan Šerak, the Director of the Public Utility Company "Vodovod i kanalizacija" Sarajevo (KJKP ViK), has confirmed that the stability of the water supply is already demonstrating measurable improvements, thereby justifying the strategic direction taken. This modernization effort carries profound significance, particularly in the context of the region’s ambition to harmonize its practices with stringent European environmental standards and principles of efficient resource management. The initiative is a cornerstone element of the broader "Green Agenda for the Western Balkans." Achieving successful project completion by 2026 will not only resolve immediate infrastructure deficits but will also establish a vital precedent, showcasing the capability of local authorities and communal services to execute complex, large-scale mandates in the collective interest of the community.