SHUKALB and Albanian Wastewater Operators Participate in the RCDN Swiss–Western Balkans WWTP Twinning Program

SHUKALB participated in the RCDN Twinning Program between Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operators from the Western Balkans and Switzerland, coordinated by the Swiss Water Association (VSA) and implemented within the framework of the Regional Capacity Development Network (RCDN), with the support of GIZ, from 31 May to 5 June 2026 in Switzerland.

The program brought together 19 wastewater treatment plant operators and representatives of four water utility associations from the Western Balkans and Switzerland, creating a valuable platform for peer-to-peer learning, professional exchange, and long-term cooperation in wastewater management.

Through direct engagement with Swiss counterparts, operators from the Western Balkans gained first-hand experience with advanced wastewater treatment practices and innovative operational approaches. Participants deepened their knowledge in areas such as wastewater and sludge treatment, energy recovery, resource efficiency, micropollutant removal, operational optimization, and the implementation of environmental regulations.

A central component of the program was a three-day immersion within Swiss WWTPs, where participants worked side by side with Swiss operators, exchanging practical knowledge and identifying solutions and good practices that could be adapted and applied in their home utilities. As the program progressed, the focus shifted from observation and learning to identifying concrete actions that could contribute to improving wastewater treatment operations across the Western Balkans.

One of the program visits included the ARA KEZ wastewater treatment plant in the Canton of Zurich, where participants explored innovative wastewater and sludge treatment solutions and learned about the facility’s ambitious expansion project. The visit also highlighted the importance of public engagement and awareness-raising, demonstrating how effective wastewater management extends beyond technology through communication and transparency initiatives.

SHUKALB was represented in the program by Mr. Alban Kushi, Manager of Member Services. Participation in this regional initiative further reinforced SHUKALB’s commitment to supporting the professional development and capacity building of Albanian water utilities, particularly in the field of wastewater management and treatment.

The Albanian water utilities participating in the program were represented by:

• Hegla Medja – Shkodra Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company
• Fjoralba Caushi – Durres Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company
• Algert Bajrami – Saranda Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company

In parallel with the operator exchanges, representatives of four utility associations from the Western Balkans, including SHUKALB, participated in dedicated workshops hosted by VSA in Zurich. These discussions focused on how the experiences and lessons learned from the WWTP twinning exchanges can be transformed into long-term impact for utilities and associations across the region.

Key topics included integrating twinning experiences into training programs and Communities of Practice (CoPs), strengthening knowledge sharing and communication, enhancing advocacy efforts, reinforcing the role of associations in sector development, and identifying concrete opportunities for future regional cooperation. The discussions reaffirmed a shared commitment to ensuring that the knowledge gained through the twinning program reaches a wider audience and contributes to lasting improvements in wastewater services throughout the Western Balkans.

The program concluded with a joint visit to the WWTP Bilten, where participants explored state-of-the-art wastewater treatment solutions, including advanced approaches to sludge management, micropollutant removal, energy recovery, and resource efficiency. Participants also learned about the role of cantonal authorities in maintaining high environmental standards through consistent implementation and enforcement of regulations.

Beyond the technical knowledge exchanged, the program demonstrated the value of professional networking and peer learning. The relationships established between wastewater operators, utilities, and associations from Switzerland and the Western Balkans will continue to support future cooperation and knowledge sharing across the region.

The RCDN Twinning Program represented an important opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance both the technical and institutional capacities of wastewater operators and utility associations. Through initiatives such as this, SHUKALB continues to support its members in accessing international expertise, building professional networks, and promoting sustainable development in the water and wastewater sector.