Published: September 27, 2010
New funds will develop water and sanitation infrastructure.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has moved a step closer to joining the EU after the Republika Srpska, one of its two political entities, secured a loan to fund the development of its water supply and sanitation infrastructure.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management has received €50mn from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The funds will be used to not only improve the quality of its citizens’ lives but to help Bosnia and Herzegovina comply with EU environmental legislation.
The loan will cover half the cost of its planned projects with the balance funded by the budgets of the Republika Sprska, the EU and bi-lateral funds.
The EIB’s loan will finance an investment programme for the water and wastewater sector in 24 municipalities throughout Republika Srpska, covering a population of some 250,000 people.
In 2008 the EIB agreed a €60mn loan for Bosnia and Herzegovina.