EBRD, Switzerland and EU help improve wastewater services in Kyrgyz Republic

• Construction of wastewater treatment plant launched in Naryn
• Project is supported by the EBRD, Switzerland and the EU
• Upgraded wastewater services for more than 20,000 local residents

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with support from Switzerland and the European Union (EU), is investing to improve wastewater services in the Kyrgyz city of Naryn.

A financial package comprising a €2 million sovereign loan from the EBRD, a €3.6 million grant from Switzerland and a €1 million grant from the EU will fund the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, the extension of the main sewerage network, two new pumping stations and new operational equipment.

Naryn is a city of around 42,000 people where access to wastewater services remains limited: only about 22 per cent of residents are currently connected, with many households relying on outdoor toilets or septic tanks.

Once completed, the project will help improve public health, reduce environmental pollution, strengthen resilience to climate change and lower operating costs. The number of people to benefit from improved wastewater services is expected to double from about 10,000 to 20,000 residents.

The government of Switzerland supports the development of the Kyrgyz Republic. Since 1994, Switzerland has granted more than CHF 560 million to the Kyrgyz Republic through technical, financial and humanitarian support.

To date, the EBRD has invested more than €196 million in 32 water supply and wastewater treatment projects across 28 municipalities in the Kyrgyz Republic. The investments comprise €87 million in loans and €109 million in capital investment grants, including €33 million provided by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and €46 million by the EU.