Key Stakeholders Convene in Tirana for Workshop on Integrated Sanitation Strategy

On 4 September 2025, stakeholders from across the water sector gathered at Hotel Rogner in Tirana for a workshop dedicated to the future of wastewater and stormwater management in Greater Tirana. The event was held in the framework of the Project “Development of an Integrated Sanitation and Stormwater Management Strategy for Greater Tirana”, financed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, SECO and implemented by the National Water and Sewerage Agency (AKUK), with the consulting teams ECOPSIS/EBS and EAWAG, and SHUKALB playing a key role in stakeholder engagement.

The workshop was attended by representatives from national water institutions, water utilities, municipal authorities, international financial institutions, the Swiss Embassy, the Faculty of Civil Engineering, and the project’s consulting teams.

During the morning sessions, consultants presented an overview of the project, highlighting environmental conditions, urban planning challenges, and demographic trends across Greater Tirana. Participants were introduced to the classification of areas as sewered, non-sewered, and small-scale sewered, which will guide the planning of future interventions. The revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive was also discussed, emphasizing the new regulatory standards for wastewater management and treatment.

The workshop then examined the current state of sewered sanitation. Consultants shared findings from field measurements, assessments of existing centralized sewer systems, and pollution load analyses, sparking discussions on priority interventions to improve wastewater collection, treatment, and environmental protection.

The final session focused on the next steps for developing an integrated sanitation and stormwater strategy for Greater Tirana. Attendees exchanged views on phased development, optimizing existing infrastructure, and setting priorities for upcoming project phases. The workshop concluded with closing remarks, reaffirming the shared commitment of all partners, including SHUKALB, to advancing sustainable sanitation solutions and strengthening local capacities.