In the framework of the Contribution Agreement between the European Union and KfW, Chernivtsi will receive EUR 14.93 million grant for the purpose of modernization of the municipal water management system under the project “Municipal Infrastructure Development”. The overall goal of the project is the improvement of water management infrastructure to strengthen Chernivtsi for the benefit of its citizens and as a host community for internally displaced persons.

The relevant Financing and Project Implementing Agreement was signed in Chernivtsi between KfW, Chernivtsi City Council and Municipal Enterprise “Chernivtsivodokanal”.

“Today, thanks to the support of the European Union, we signed an important document with our German partners, which will allow us to continue the project aimed at solving urgent needs by co-financing investments in the water supply and wastewater treatment systems in the city of Chernivtsi. We sincerely appreciate and thank our partners for their support of Chernivtsi city, especially in this difficult time for Ukraine on the way to protecting its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The support of the European Union, the German Government and KfW in overcoming the challenges before us is extremely important for the sustainable development of communitу”, said Chernivtsi Mayor Roman Klichuk.

“Since 2016, the EU has been co-funding the modernization of water supply and waste water treatment infrastructure in Chernivtsi by blending EU funds with KfW loans. Last year, we approved additional funding to address urgent needs of the city related to the impact of the war. We hope that cooperation in the framework of this project will proceed smoothly and without delays benefitting citizens, including internally displaced Ukrainians. The EU also works with the government of Ukraine on national water policies which are among the main building blocks of the European Green Deal as water is crucial for climate regulation, ecosystems functioning, human health and wellbeing as well as for economy`s resilience”, - Chloé Allio, Head of Section for economic cooperation, energy, infrastructure and environment, Delegation of the EU to Ukraine.

“We are grateful to the EU for the possibility to further support our long-term partners in Chernivtsi with much needed additional grant funding to enable critical investments in the city’s water and sanitation infrastructure. These investments will be highly complementary to the investment programme currently amounting to approx. EUR 57 million financed by KfW on behalf of the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development. Once implemented, this significant contribution by “Team Europe” will benefit the citizens of Chernivtsi for decades to come.”, - Jens Hagen, Head of Division for Urban and Regional Development in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia at KfW.

“Municipal Infrastructure Development” is a logical continuation and addition to the previous stages of the “Municipal Water Management Project of Chernivtsi”, as well as the “Strengthening of Local Self-Government in Ukraine” project, financed via loans and grants provided by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The project is aimed at bringing the water supply, sanitation and treatment systems in Chernivtsi closer to EU standards, decrease of technical and non-technical water losses and decrease of energy consumption for pumping water and support to the monitoring of pollution of the transboundary waters.

As a result, improved water supply and sanitation infrastructure will be available for residents and internally displaced persons residing in the territory of the Chernivtsi territorial community.

For additional information, please contact to Lydmila Kushnir, Head of division of Communications, External Relations and Electronic Governance of the Chernivtsi City Council at press2@rada.cv.ua or at +38 050 434 10 63.