The Macedonian government and the European Investment Bank (EIB) will invest around 17 million euros (20 million U.S. dollars) in the construction of sewer and water supply systems in Macedonia, Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said on Saturday.
Zaev confirmed that all municipalities will be included in this investment. This investment intends to bring equitable development, in rural areas as well and will improve living standards.
Through the investment, the coverage of sewage and water systems will increase from the actual 18 percent to 40 percent.
"Our objective is that by the end of the government term, we could help local communities improve the percentage of coverage to the maximum," added Zaev.
Moreover, he announced that the budget would provide the sources to replace asbestos water pipes and to set up a fund for support of projects by the municipalities.
Macedonian Minister of Transport and Communications Goran Sugareski underlined that around 12 million euros from the EIB's line of credits is still unused and urged municipalities to submit projects related to the construction of sewer and water systems.
