EBRD and EU support water supply system in Kyrgyz Republic

Almost 80,000 people from four municipalities across the Kyrgyz Republic will have regular access to safe drinking water as a result of projects supported by the EBRD and the European Union.
The investments will deliver better water and wastewater management services to the municipalities of Jalal Abad, Myrza-Ake, Kurshab and Don Bulak.
They will also achieve a reduction of water losses, improve energy efficiency and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
In some of these municipalities water supply systems have not been refurbished for a quarter of a century and up to 40 per cent of local households consume untreated water from open sources.
A 15-year loan of up to €2 million by the EBRD and a grant of up to €3 million from the European Union (EU) will finance a number of critical water supply system improvements, including the renovation of networks, household metering and the procurement of operational and maintenance equipment.
The finance agreements were signed today in the context of a regional water forum, organised to address challenges in the Kyrgyz water sector.
The financial package also includes a €4 million EBRD loan and a €4.1 million grant from the EU to finance further critical water and wastewater investments in Jalal Abad, including the rehabilitation of water and wastewater networks, metering, the construction of a new waste water treatment plant and the purchase of laboratory equipment. The investment will also support the city in developing a social support programme for low income customers, and the introduction of a new tariff methodology.
To date, the EBRD has invested €744 million in the economy of the Kyrgyz Republic, with a majority of investments supporting private entrepreneurship. Over €153 million has been invested in 19 water projects across the country.
In the period of 2014-2019 the EU has supported the Kyrgyz Republic with €174 million in education, integrated rural development and rule of law. Additionally, the EU has provided €90.5 million grants to support investments, mainly in the water sector.