The Municipality of Ulcinj has completed the construction of 14.5 km of wastewater and stormwater sewerage networks serving the settlements of Kodre, Bijela Gora, Totosi and Donja Bratica. Financed through a €5 million European Investment Bank (EIB) loan, the project will improve sanitation services for some 5,700 households, protect the environment and the Adriatic coastal area, and support tourism development in Montenegro’s southernmost coastal municipality.

“In a municipality experiencing strong growth, particularly through tourism, this investment is an important step towards building infrastructure capable of supporting a growing population, increasing visitor numbers and expanding economic activity,” said Davor Kunc, Head of the EIB Representation to Montenegro. “Reliable and climate-resilient municipal infrastructure is essential for improving quality of life and supporting sustainable growth.”

Since 2006, the EIB has invested €116 million in Montenegro’s water and wastewater sector through €57 million in loans and €59 million in European Union grants provided under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). This support has also included technical assistance for project preparation and implementation in line with EU standards.

“European integration objectives cannot be fully achieved unless our local governments reach the standards recognised across the European Union,” said Zoran Dabetić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development. “Through the implementation of this and other projects, Ulcinj and municipalities throughout Montenegro are strengthening their position as modern, developed European communities.”

The construction works were carried out by the Italian construction and infrastructure company SPIGA Srl, while the Italian consulting and engineering company C.&S. Di Giuseppe Ingegneri Associati Srl provided supervision services. Project Consulting Podgorica (PROCON), the national unit responsible for implementing municipal and environmental protection projects, was in charge of project implementation.

“Through the implementation of this project, the municipality has gained valuable experience in infrastructure development and investment planning,” said Genci Nimanbegu, Mayor of Ulcinj, at the handover ceremony. “Our priority now is to put this important infrastructure into operation as soon as possible so that citizens can fully benefit from it.”