Major Wastewater Treatment Plant Under Construction in Niš

A significant environmental project is underway in Niš, Serbia, where construction has begun on the largest wastewater treatment plant in the country and the wider region. Valued at €86 million, this initiative is part of a comprehensive ecological effort aimed at addressing wastewater management and protecting the Nišava River. The project includes the installation of 45 kilometers of collector network, addressing longstanding environmental concerns.

The site recently welcomed Andreas von Bekkerat, the new head of the European Union Delegation to Serbia, alongside Sara Pavkov, the Serbian Minister of Environmental Protection. The facility is designed to process up to 780 liters per second and will consist of 45 structures. Funding for this ambitious project is sourced from a combination of the national budget and grants from the European Union, with completion expected by the middle of 2026.

Ambassador von Bekkerat highlighted that this project transcends traditional infrastructure investments, showcasing a shared commitment to enhancing environmental quality. He stated, “This is more than an investment in infrastructure – it is an investment in public health and nature protection.” The European Union is contributing over €40 million to the wastewater treatment plant and collector network, marking it as the largest environmental investment in Serbia to date. Despite these advancements, only 15 percent of wastewater in the region is currently treated, with a significant volume ending up in local rivers, posing risks to public health and local ecosystems.

Minister Pavkov emphasized the complexity of this initiative, which will ensure comprehensive wastewater treatment for approximately 268,000 residents of Niš. She expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting, “Fully treated wastewater will be directed into the Nišava River in accordance with the highest standards, without further pollution.” As the project moves toward its 2026 completion date, she confirmed that it will be fully operational by 2027. The initiative also includes the development of an essential sewage network, supported by additional funds from the City of Niš.

Pol Collins, the First Secretary and Head of the National Program for Environmental Protection and Climate Reform at the Embassy of Sweden in Belgrade, reiterated his country’s substantial support during the project’s preparatory phase. He mentioned that Sweden aided in creating feasibility studies, design solutions, and tender documentation. Collins noted, “Wastewater treatment, in line with European Union standards, is crucial for public health protection. Inadequate treatment leads to pollution of rivers and other surface waters.” Data from 2022 indicate that only 36 percent of wastewater was treated to acceptable sanitary levels.

As part of the project, several villages surrounding Niš will also gain access to the collector network. The Mayor of Niš, Dragoslav Pavlović, reported that construction is proceeding according to schedule and expressed confidence that the project will meet its deadlines. He stated, “The main contractor is the Turkish company ‘Arbiogaz’, which is approaching the project’s realization responsibly.” In addition to the treatment plant, the project includes the construction of major collectors, with the new sewage network extending to the villages of Hum, Gabrovac, Čamurlija, and Jelašnica.

An important aspect of the project is its focus on energy sustainability. The treatment of waste materials is expected to generate biomass that will serve as an energy source. It is estimated that the plant will provide approximately 70 percent of the energy required for its operational processes, contributing to its overall environmental goals.