Rural Water and Sanitation Support Programme (RWSSP)
Despite Kosovo’s advanced water sector regulations, regional water companies (RWCs) struggle with sustainability. Around 40% of the population, mainly in rural areas, lacked piped water, while only 65% of urban and 42% of rural populations had sewage access. Collection rates were 60%, and water losses reached 61%. Wastewater in rural areas was often disposed of in open channels or damaged septic tanks, contaminating water sources.
The Rural Water and Sanitation Support Programme (RWSSP) aimed to improve water access, increasing safe drinking water coverage from 66% to 80% and from 50% to 65% for minority groups. It also sought to expand sanitation, improve wastewater treatment, and ensure service sustainability. The project strengthened water companies, enhanced efficiency, promoted renewable energy, and reduced solid waste pollution. By addressing these issues, RWSSP worked to achieve universal, safe water access while protecting the environment.
Disciplines
- Municipal Infrastructure
- Water Resources Management
Companies
Dorsch Impact GmbH
Client
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Duration
From 2014 to 2022
Location
Kosovo
Project Activities
Water Supply
Expand RWC-managed water supply to 80,000 rural residents and upgrade services for 240,000 more.
Increase access for ethnic minorities.
Water Source Protection & Efficiency
Reduce NRW with targeted reduction plans.
Integrate water source protection into 2 municipalities’ spatial planning.
Develop & share water source protection guidelines.
Strengthen RWCs’ capacity in water management & rural wastewater treatment.
Improve collection rates to 80% in targeted DMAs and expand DMA coverage to 10% overall, 40% in rural areas.
Enhance water quality management across RWCs.
Partner with local authorities & civil society for waste cleanup & awareness campaigns.
Sanitation
Implement 4 pilot rural wastewater treatment systems.
Institutional Support
Establish PIUs in 7 RWCs for water & sanitation projects.
Ensure RWCs can operate & maintain their systems.
Promote regional cooperation among RWCs.
Energy Use
Boost energy efficiency and renewable energy use in RWC operations.
Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
We are committed to making a positive impact and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project contributes to the following SDGs:
