R2CF Buzau sub-project

complete

Translated version of this PSD: Romanian The EBRD is considering to provide up to €10 million alongside up to €76 million from EU Cohesion Funds, as well as the funding from the local and state budget to finance €99 million regional water investment programme of the SC Compania de Apa SA Buzau.. The investment programme will improve the quality of drinking water and expand wastewater collection and treatment in 5 municipalities of Buzau County in line with the relevant EU water and wastewater legislation. As a result of the project, more than 200,000 inhabitants in the project area will have access to safe water supply and sanitation services. The €10 million loan project is a sub-project of the €200 million Framework approved by the Bank to co-finance projects in Romania’s water and wastewater sector alongside EU Cohesion Funds. The sub-project will support environmental improvements, efficiency gains from continued regionalisation of water and wastewater services and transfer of commercial and managerial skills in water and wastewater operations to less-developed localities in Buzau County. SC Compania de Apa SA Buzau is a new EBRD client, but it has already undergone significant reforms with EU ISPA funded projects. SA Buzau provides water and wastewater services in most towns of Buzau County. The Company is now expanding into neighbouring localities within Buzau County. €10 million loan for Buzau Sub-Project. €99 million for Buzau Sub-Project. The project addresses the first phase of investments (priorities) of Buzau County’s Plan for water and wastewater development. Several key figures of the project indicating direct benefits for the population and for the environment include: The project is designed to meet compliance with the EU Drinking Water Directive and Urban Wastewater Directive in the project area. As well, the project is in line with the EU Water Framework Directive. The present project is part of the Sectoral Operational Programme for Environment for which a Strategic Environmental Assessment was carried out, in line with SEA Directive. According to the project application for EU funds, Buzau County will prepare an Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) to be in place during the operational stage. The EMP will address issues related to the extent and frequency of monitoring and measurements, procedures for laboratory analyses and implementation procedures. TC funding was approved for the overall Framework at €1.3 million, including: