Short description of the overall project

The new network improves the quality of water supply, wastewater disposal and treatment services in Subotica. It also allows the city with a population of 140,000 to connect around 12,000 more citizens to the sewerage network, bringing coverage up to 60 per cent of the population.

The improved wastewater treatment system also prevents the pollution of Lake Palić, one of the top five tourist destinations in Serbia and located on the outskirts of Subotica.

In addition, the new system has the technological capacity to produce energy from waste and currently produces 25 to 40 per cent of its total energy needs. 

The new infrastructure makes Subotica one of the first cities in Serbia with modern water and wastewater infrastructure in line with EU standards. It is estimated that only around 10 per cent of wastewater in Serbia is treated and only around 46 per cent of the population is connected to the sewerage system. In many cases, the existing infrastructure is also outdated and in need of investment.

Short description of activities financed by the donation

The EBRD, the EU and bilateral donors have supported Subotica since 2010 when the city started modernising its wastewater treatment plant and constructing a sludge line. The city then continued to upgrade its network by extending its sewerage network and constructing collectors and additional water pipelines, among other things.

The EBRD provided close to €20 million in loans, while the EU and bilateral donors provided €7 million worth of investment grants and technical assistance.