Memorandum for more water

Europe for Sarajevo

Sarajevo, 03 July, 1997 (AIM) - 'Memorandum of understanding' valued USD 10,0 Mill., has been signed today in Sarajevo by Mr. Donato Chiarini, Chief of the Representative Office EC for B &H and, on the B&H side, by Mr. Ahmed Smajic, Federal Minister of Watersupply, Forests and Agriculture, Mr. Faruk Sabeta, Director Watersupply B&H and Mr. Aziz Hadzimuratovic, Chief of the Sector for Reconstruction and international aid at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mentioned money will be used for reconstruction of the water supply network in Sarajevo.

Mr. Smajic stated that this gift will improve the situation in Sarajevo water supply for maximum of 10%. For total reconstruction of water supply network, City of Sarajevo needs about USD 60,0 Mill. Present losses in network are 70,0%, while in other European cities, this number is not bigger than 5%.

Ambassador Chiarini stated that this money will be used also for education of personnel engaged in water supply, and that, he hopes, Sarajevo will have the water 24 hours a day.

This is, actually, a part of EU Aid from previous 'Memorandum of understanding' signed earlier between Mr. Izetbegovic, Head of the B&H Presidency and EU, better known as program 'Europe for Sarajevo', valued USD 44,0 Mill. This program is to be realized by the end of 1998. All together, EU Aid is valued over USD 400 Mill.(End)