The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has stepped in to finance the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Aktobe, Kazakhstan's fourth-largest municipality, EBRD reported.
The project, spearheaded by the EBRD, involves a substantial investment of up to KZT 47.4bn (€96.4mn), making it the largest municipal initiative undertaken by the Bank in Central Asia to date. The financing is directed towards Aqtobe Su-Energy Group, a state-owned entity tasked with managing water supply, wastewater treatment, and district heating in Aktobe.
The new wastewater treatment plant is poised to replace the outdated facility commissioned in 1984, offering a significant upgrade in processing capacity. With the ability to treat up to 100,000 cubic meters of contaminated water daily, the new plant is expected to adequately serve the needs of Aktobe's approximately 600,000 residents.
A key focus of the project is the integration of modern wastewater treatment technologies, aligning discharge quality with both Kazakhstani and European Union standards. Additionally, the initiative includes the establishment of a sludge treatment facility equipped with a biogas-fueled power generation unit. This innovative addition not only addresses odour-related issues but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 23,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Beyond its immediate impact on Aktobe, the wastewater treatment project is envisioned as a blueprint for similar endeavors across Kazakhstan. With nearly a third of the country's cities lacking adequate wastewater treatment facilities, the successful implementation of this initiative could pave the way for the widespread adoption of modernized infrastructure nationwide.
Kazakhstan stands as a focal point for EBRD's investments in Central Asia, with a track record of €9.85bn injected into the country through 312 projects. This latest venture underscores the Bank's commitment to fostering sustainable development and addressing pressing environmental challenges in the region.
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