The Cohesion Fund is to invest EUR 110.5 million in the distribution of drinking water and wastewater collecting network in northwest Romania (Turda – Campia – Turzii), a release from the European Commission informs on Thursday.
Regional Policy Commissioner Corina Cretu signed the financing of the “Regional Water and Waste Water Infrastructure Development Project in Turda – Campia Turzii”, which will ensure access to water and sewerage services to all inhabitants of the southern part of Cluj County through expanding and upgrading the existing infrastructure.
The project will be implemented in 13 localities in Cluj County and continues the investment of European money during 2007-2013 in the water and sewerage network in this part of the county.
At the time of the project’s endorsement, European Commissioner Corina Cretu said: “I am glad that things are going on and that European funding will contribute to improving the living conditions in the Turda – Campia Turzii region. In particular, with about EUR 155 million – out of which over EUR 110 million are European funds, plus the national co-financing of nearly EUR 45 million, over 16,500 inhabitants will benefit from quality drinking water in their households, while 14,000 homes will be connected to the sewerage system. In four years’ time, almost all of the population in this area will be connected to the water and sewerage network.”
The project provides the rehabilitation of 104 kilometers of the existing water transport network, as well as its extension by over 250 kilometers of pipelines. With regard to the sewerage system, the project includes the rehabilitation of the existing 48-kilometer-long network, its extension by 130 kilometers, the construction of 48 new pumping stations, and the extension of two sewerage treatment plants.
The project is to be implemented by the end of 2023.
That’s all very good for the wealthy part of the country but those services cost money and, like the electrical supply, will soon be priced beyond the means of many in more rural areas. Wells and cess pits will continue to be necessary for those who, through choice or necessity, will not be connected to these centralised services.