A Major Investment in Modernizing Shkodra’s Water Distribution Network

The city of Shkodra is benefiting from one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Albania’s water and wastewater sector, aimed at substantially improving the quality, reliability, and sustainability of water supply services for its residents. The “Shkodra Water Distribution Network” project, with a total value of approximately EUR 11 million, represents an important step toward modernizing the city’s water infrastructure and enhancing services for the local community.

Implementation of the project began in September 2024 and, according to the current schedule, is expected to be completed by the end of November 2026, delivering significant improvements to the water supply infrastructure and the quality of service provided to the citizens of Shkodra.

The investment is being implemented within the framework of the German Financial Cooperation with Albania through Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), as part of the Water Sector Performance and Investment Program (WPIP) / Municipal Infrastructure Program V (MIP V). The project is also supported by European Union funding under the IPA 2018 Action for wastewater components, as well as grants provided by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) for water supply and wastewater measures.

The project includes the construction and rehabilitation of a modern water distribution network with a total length of approximately 72.9 kilometers, comprising more than 2,200 household connections, 59 fire hydrants, and over 600 network nodes. Once completed, the investment will improve water supply services for approximately 15,400 residents, ensuring a more reliable, secure, and sustainable service for the community.

The main works cover the Dobraç and Golem areas, where the existing network will be replaced and expanded to better meet the needs of local residents. A key component of the project is the construction of a new 3-kilometer transmission main connecting the Dobraç Pumping Station to the Rus area, which will significantly improve water supply conditions throughout the city of Shkodra.

For the citizens of Shkodra, this investment will bring tangible benefits to everyday life. The upgraded network will help reduce supply interruptions, improve the reliability and security of water services, and provide a more consistent water supply. The modernized infrastructure will also enable more efficient system management by reducing water losses, allowing faster responses to network failures, and ensuring a higher quality of service for both households and businesses.

The project also represents an important opportunity for Shkodra Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company, which has been continuously working to improve its performance and deliver better services to its customers. Through the professional management of the new infrastructure, ongoing maintenance, and continuous improvement of its operational processes, the utility will be able to increase its operational efficiency and further strengthen its role as a modern, customer-oriented service provider.

The successful implementation of this project is the result of close cooperation between Albanian institutions, international development partners, and the Shkodra Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company, demonstrating the importance of strategic investments in the water sector. Beyond improving physical infrastructure, the project represents an investment in the well-being of local communities, the sustainable development of the city, and the establishment of a safer and more resilient water supply system for future generations.

SHUKALB highly appreciates the commitment of Shkodra Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company and all partners involved in the implementation of this important investment, which contributes to strengthening Albania’s water sector and improving the quality of public services for its citizens.