Kemwater Services Oy has won a bidding competition for the Water and Sanitation Institution Building in Kosovo organized by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The total cost of the project is FIM 10 million (EUR 1.7 million). The project lasts from October 2000 to the end of year 2003.
The order received is a part of United Nations´ and EU´s benefit projects aimed at reconstruction work in Kosovo. Operations in Kosovo are co-ordinated with the UNMIK (United Nations´ Mission in Kosovo). UNMIK is responsible for the transitional administration in the country. Water supply and sanitation are among UN's priorities in Kosovo.
The overall objective of the project is to create strengthened management and technical capacity to operate local water utilities. This will be implemented through the establishment of the Association of Water and Wastewater Utilities. Another objective of the project is to set up university level post-graduate education in water supply and sanitation engineering for young professionals in the University of Pristina and abroad.
Kemwater Services Oy is responsible for the implementation of the project. Two highly qualified experts with practical experience in working abroad will be sent from Finland to Kosovo for 3 years. Also many other specialists will be employed in the project.
Kemwater Services Oy is a joint venture owned by Kemira Chemicals Oy and the City of Helsinki."The project fits in with the core business of Kemwater Services Oy, because institutional strengthening of water utilities belongs to the scope of services offered by the company", explains Vesa Ranta-Pere, managing director.