Waste Management Programme II (Grant)

active

The Albanian government recognizes that inadequate waste management represents a direct threat to the health of the population, the environment and the development of the country. There is a significant need for investment in the waste disposal infrastructure, but so far only a few projects have been implemented in the waste sector. With a view to EU integration, Albania hopes for support from Germany in setting up a modern waste collection, recycling and disposal system. The aim of the waste management program is to contribute to environmentally friendly, hygienically safe and economically viable waste management in the Vlora region. In addition, the project sponsor should be enabled to operate the waste management system sustainably and thus support the implementation of the national Albanian waste strategy and Albania's approach to EU environmental standards. Through targeted investments in the waste infrastructure and accompanying support measures, the northern part of the Vlora region should be introduced to modern, integrated waste management. The project therefore contributes to environmental and resource protection, to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to improving the living conditions of the local population, including marginalized population groups such as Roma who work in the informal waste management sector. The primary target group of the project are the residents of the cities of Vlora and Selenica - around 147,000 in total. The total investment costs for investment measures and consulting services in Vlora are estimated at EUR 19.5 million and are to be financed from an FC development loan of EUR 12.0 million and from grant funds. Due to Albania's low debt capacity and the still limited revenue opportunities in the waste sector, grant funds are necessary. Pure loan financing would not be socio-economically viable for the local population. The project includes measures in the area of the collection and transport of household waste (vehicles, containers), street cleaning, the construction of a modern municipal waste landfill including facilities for sorting and composting the corresponding waste, and the closure and securing of the existing landfills in the cities of Vlora and Selenica. In parallel, an accompanying measure is specifically supporting the development of operator structures. In addition, pilot concepts are being developed and implemented to improve the working and living conditions of Roma families working in the informal waste management sector.