{"id":9764,"date":"2026-06-05T17:53:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T15:53:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shukalb.al\/?p=9764"},"modified":"2026-06-05T17:53:27","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T15:53:27","slug":"shukalb-and-albanian-wastewater-operators-participate-in-the-rcdn-swiss-western-balkans-wwtp-twinning-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shukalb.al\/?p=9764&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"SHUKALB and Albanian Wastewater Operators Participate in the RCDN Swiss\u2013Western Balkans WWTP Twinning Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

SHUKALB and Albanian Wastewater Operators Participate in the RCDN Swiss\u2013Western Balkans WWTP Twinning Program<\/strong><\/h1>\n
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From R to L: Alban Kushi, Manager of Member Services, SHUKALB; Fjoralba Caushi \u2013 Durres Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company; Hegla Medja \u2013 Shkodra Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company; and Algert Bajrami \u2013 Saranda Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company
Photo Credit: SHUKALB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

SHUKALB was represented in the program by Mr. Alban Kushi, Manager of Member Services. Participation in this regional initiative further reinforced SHUKALB\u2019s commitment to supporting the professional development and capacity building of Albanian water utilities, particularly in the field of wastewater management and treatment.<\/p>\n

The Albanian water utilities participating in the program were represented by:<\/p>\n