Archives: News

Saudi Arabia – 16 December 2025: A consortium led by Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, co-led by Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), and SkyBridge Limited Company (SkyBridge), has been awarded the development of the Hadda Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) project in the Makkah Province by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), the Kingdom’s principal off-taker for water and wastewater PPP projects.

The project will play a critical role in strengthening wastewater infrastructure for one of the Kingdom’s most significant cities, Makkah, supporting both growing resident population and the millions of pilgrims visiting annually. The development aligns with the National Water Strategy 2030, launched under Saudi Vision 2030 which introduced a unified framework to enhance sector governance, improve efficiency, and accelerate private-sector participation across the water value chain.

As outlined under the National Water Strategy, Saudi Arabia is targeting the treatment of up to 10 million m3/day of wastewater and the reuse of 70% of treated effluent by 2030, advancing a fully circular and resilient water economy. The Hadda ISTP directly supports these national objectives by expanding wastewater treatment capacity and enabling large-scale water reuse in the Makkah Province.

Developed under a 25-year Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model, the project will have an initial treatment capacity of 100,000 m³/day, expandable to 250,000 m³/day to meet the growing demand. The consortium’s scope consists of the design, financing, construction, and operation of the wastewater treatment plant and its associated facilities under a public-private partnership model. It also includes a comprehensive treated sewage effluent (TSE) reuse system, comprising of a large storage tank and a 38-kilometre transmission pipeline with a throughput capacity of 350,000 m³/day.

Eng. Khaled Alqureshi, CEO of the SWPC said: The Hadda Independent Sewage Treatment Plant project marks a significant step that reflects the strength of the partnership model adopted by Saudi Water Partnership Company. The selection of the consortium led by Metito Utilities reaffirms investor confidence in the Saudi market. The project supports the objectives of the National Water Strategy 2030 by enhancing treatment efficiency and promoting reuse. We continue to fulfill our role as the off-taker and facilitator, ensuring the delivery of strategic water projects that align with the Kingdom’s ambitions.

Commenting on the win, Rami Ghandour, CEO Metito Utilities said: The Hadda ISTP award strengthens our ongoing partnership with SWPC and our approach to investing in long-term water management solutions in Saudi Arabia. Building on the successful delivery of the Dammam ISTP, this project represents another important step in 2025 as we continue to support the Kingdom’s National Water Strategy and Vision 2030.

In a related comment, Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), said: “Being selected as co-lead in the Hadda ISTP consortium reflects our commitment to supporting resilient, future-ready water infrastructure across the region. This project will strengthen wastewater treatment capacity in Makkah and enable large-scale reuse, helping optimise water resources. We are proud to collaborate with Saudi Water Partnership Company and to be part of a consortium that brings together leading regional and international players, contributing to the Kingdom’s national vision for the water sector.”

Eng Hesham Alghamdi, CEO of SkyBridge Limited Company, commented on the strategic importance of the award: Winning the Hadda ISTP project is a major milestone that reinforces SkyBridge’s commitment to the development Sustainable Infrastructure in line with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. We are honoured to partner with our consortium members Metito Utilities and EtihadWE and look forward to deliver a world-class, sustainable wastewater solution for the residents and visitors of Makkah, ensuring long-term environmental and social benefits through water reuse.

The Hadda ISTP is designed to enhance wastewater treatment capacity for one of Saudi Arabia’s most strategically important cities. Its integrated reuse system will help optimize water resources, support irrigation needs, and improve environmental outcomes. Treated effluent will be supplied to the Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO). Commercial operations are scheduled to commence in Q4 2028.

About Metito Utilities

Impact. Sustainability. Innovation. Guided by these founding principles, Metito Utilities is a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions and climate-resilient water assets. The company has built over 25 years of expertise in public private partnerships (PPP), having successfully delivered over 35 transformative projects across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Rwanda, Serbia, and beyond.

Notable achievements include a leadership position in China’s wastewater sector (2008–2018), managing 1.8 million m³/day of treatment capacity, enhancing water network monitoring capabilities through its acquisition of Portugal-based DouroECI and scaling climate-resilient water infrastructure investments across Africa through its the Africa Water Infrastructure Development (AWID) platform, launched with British International Investment (BII).

Established in 1958, Metito has been a pioneer in delivering cutting-edge water solutions worldwide. With decades of excellence in engineering, operations, and innovation—and as the first to introduce reverse osmosis desalination technology beyond the USA in 1972—Metito has consistently delivered innovative water solutions worldwide.

For more information, please contact:
Ecem Akineri – Marketing Communications
Metito Utilities
Email: ecem.akineri@metito.com ; for media enquiries: media@metito.com
Mobile: +971 50 809 7748

Metito Utilities has received the Zrenjanin City Award- 2025 for the Zrenjanin Water Treatment Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Project, recognising the project’s contribution to restoring safe and reliable drinking water to the citizens of Zrenjanin. The award was received on behalf of the company by Branislav Zec, Metito Utilities Country Manager – Serbia.

Zrenjanin Water Treatment PPP Project, developed by Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, and awarded by The City Administration of Zrenjanin (The City) and the public water utility company “Vodovod i kanalizacija” (PUC), has successfully restored clean and continuous drinking water supply for more than 70,000 residents in full compliance with national quality standards.

In October 2025, after the treated water was officially confirmed to meet all stringent national quality and health requirements, the long-standing 2004 ban on using municipal tap water for drinking was formally lifted, resolving one of the city’s most enduring public service challenges.

The success of the Zrenjanin Water Treatment PPP Project — the first project of its kind in Serbia — is a strong example of a shared commitment to global best practices, advanced technology, and rigorous operational standards that reinforce sustainable water security for the community and the country.

To read more about the project, visit – Sustainable water-supply solution finally ensures safe drinking water to citizens of Zrenjanin

Metito Utilities took part in the 3rd PPP Roundtable Forum, held on 18–19 November in Tashkent, convened under the theme “Mobilizing Private Capital Through PPPs.” The forum was organized jointly by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), bringing together policymakers, development partners, and private-sector leaders to review Uzbekistan’s PPP progress, address implementation challenges, and explore new opportunities for private investment in line with the country’s Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy.

As part of the PPP Monitor Launch Event, Walid Madwar, Metito Utilities Chief Commercial Officer, joined fellow private-sector leaders in a session titled “A private investor’s perspective on implementing PPP projects.” In this session, Walid contributed insights on the evolving PPP landscape and the essential role private investment plays in delivering resilient, bankable, and socially impactful infrastructure.

He highlighted:

• The importance of predictable and transparent regulatory frameworks to attract private capital
• Lessons from Metito Utilities’ growing PPP portfolio in Uzbekistan and emerging markets
• How well-structured PPPs solve long-term value through operational quality, sustainable financing models, and partnerships rooted in accountability

We welcome the continued cooperation driving PPP progress in Uzbekistan and remain committed to delivering sustainable, long-term water and wastewater solutions in Central Asia.

For media enquiries, please connect: press@metito.com

Rami Ghandour, CEO Metito Utilities, shared his insights in an op-ed published in Arab News titled “Saudi Arabia builds a new era of water security through PPPs”, highlighting the growing role of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in advancing sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure across the region.

In this op-ed, he explains the need for long-term, performance-driven collaboration between governments and private-sector operators to ensure reliable, climate-resilient, and financially sustainable water solutions.

This article was originally published by Arab News on 21 November 2025 under the title “Saudi Arabia builds a new era of water security through PPPs.” It is shared here for informational purposes only. All rights and credits belong to the original author and publisher.

Saudi Arabia’s water sector is undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations in the world. Over the past decade, the Kingdom has developed a structured public–private partnership framework that is redefining how essential infrastructure is financed, delivered and sustained.

A national imperative

With scarce rainfall, limited freshwater resources, and a rapidly expanding population, the Kingdom has long recognized that water security is as a foundation for national development.

To achieve this, the National Water Strategy 2030, launched under Vision 2030, introduced a unified framework aligning policy, regulation, and operations across the sector to strengthen governance, improve efficiency, and encourage private-sector participation. By 2030, the Kingdom aims to treat up to 10 million cubic meters a day of wastewater and reuse 70 percent, advancing a true circular-water economy.

Succeeding these ambitions requires partnership and innovation. The government defines strategy and ensures equity and environmental protection, while the private sector contributes expertise, financing, and technology to deliver sustainable water management solutions and long-term impact.

Public-private partnership as catalyst

Having developed water PPPs across the Gulf, Africa, CIS, Europe, and China — pioneering first-of-their-kind projects and seen firsthand how structured partnerships accelerate process and ensure long-term performance, it is clear that Saudi Arabia stands out for translating this balance between public stewardship and private efficiency into clear policy and measurable results across such a large and well-structured program.

At the core of PPP model, which enables each partner to focus on what it does best. The public sector defines national priorities, provides strategic oversight, and safeguards public interest, while private partners bring technology, finance, and operational expertise. When PPP project is well-structured with clear risk allocation and performance-based contracts, it reduces lifecycle costs, accelerates delivery, and ensures accountability for long-term results that endure long after construction ends.

Through the Saudi Water Partnership Co., the Kingdom has built a transparent PPP framework that continues to expand rapidly. Over the last years, SWPC has led the development of multiple independent water plants and independent sewage treatment plants under long-term concession models. According to their published 2024-30 roadmap report, more than 30 projects worth over SR60 billion ($16 billion) are planned under PPP structures.

Our projects in wastewater and water treatment, desalination, and non-revenue water management continue to demonstrate how public-private collaboration can deliver measurable, long-term impact.

Partnership in practice

A recent milestone exemplifies this success: the Dammam Independent Sewage Treatment Plant, developed by a consortium led by Metito Utilities alongside Mowah and Orascom Construction under a 25-year build–own–operate–transfer model. With a total investment cost of approximately SR920 million, the plant serves nearly 1 million residents in western Dammam, with a treatment capacity of 200,000 cubic meters per day, expandable to 350,000 cubic meters per day.

The plant incorporates modern technology such as Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge treatment and sustainable design features anaerobic digestion to convert sludge into biogas for on-site utilization complemented by solar drying greenhouses — innovations that minimize energy use, emissions, and lifecycle costs. It is a model of how PPPs can translate sustainability commitments into tangible results.

A shared path to resilience

PPPs may not solve every challenge, but they are an essential tool for delivering complex, capital-intensive projects that must perform reliably for decades. The path to water security is a shared one. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in establishing a large-scale, performance-driven PPP framework is setting a new global standard for collaboration between public vision and private innovation.

PPPs are long-term partnerships that build institutional capacity, strengthen local expertise, and help realize national visions such as Vision 2030. When both sides bring their strengths together, the result is greater than the sum of its parts — resilient, efficient, and future-ready systems that sustain economies, communities, and the environment for generations to come.

Serbia’s first public–private partnership (PPP) project in the water sector, delivered by Metito Utilities, has successfully achieved full compliance with national standards, prompting authorities to officially lift the long-standing ban on the use of tap water for drinking

Zrenjanin Water Treatment PPP Project, developed by Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, and awarded by The City of Zrenjanin (The City) and the public water utility company “Vodovod i kanalizacija” (PUC) has successfully restored safe drinking water supply for Zrenjanin.

The announcement was made by Simo Salapura, Mayor of Zrenjanin, following confirmation from Serbia’s sanitary authorities that the city’s water now meets all stringent national quality and health standards. This validation has formally lifted the 2004 ban on the use of municipal tap water for drinking – resolving one of the country’s longest-standing challenges.

Zrenjanin Water Treatment PPP Project provides a reliable and continuous supply of potable water for more than 70,000 residents, ensuring long-term water security. Since the project inception, Metito Utilities has led the upgrading and expansion of the facility, introducing advanced treatment technologies, automation systems, and high-efficiency equipment to optimize operations and ensure a high-quality water supply

With a total investment of approximately €20 million, the project represents the country’s first PPP project in the water sector and stands as one of the region’s most significant infrastructure achievements. Through the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders, the project has delivered a tailored, sustainable, and bankable model for addressing municipal water challenges through effective public–private sector collaboration.

The project construction, commissioning & trial phase achieved over 85,000 safe man-hours with zero LTIs, created local employment opportunities, and advanced sustainability by recovering resources and promoting valuable knowledge transfer and skill development within the community. These achievements directly support several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Under the long-term agreement, Metito Utilities will continue to operate and maintain the plant to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality water production. The company currently has two active projects in Serbia, representing a planned investment of over €57 million, reaffirming its long-term commitment to advancing sustainable water infrastructure in the Republic of Serbia.

SAR 690million PPP project, delivered by Metito Utilities-led consortium, strengthens water security and champions sustainability through innovative infrastructure solutions.

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province, and in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Dammam Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) was officially inaugurated.

Delivered by a consortium led by Metito Utilities alongside Mowah and Orascom Construction, the project represents a significant milestone in advancing Saudi Vision 2030’s National Water Strategy through an innovative Public–Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

Awarded by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), the Dammam ISTP was developed with a total investment of USD 185,260,000 under a 25-year Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model. The plant operates at an initial capacity of 200,000 m³/day, expandable to 350,000 m³/day, and serving nearly one million residents in western Dammam. As an ISTP implemented under this framework, the project introduces a performance-based PPP structure that mobilizes private sector capital, technology, and expertise to deliver strategic infrastructure designed to meet the Kingdom’s evolving water needs.

The plant incorporates Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) treatment technology, enabling high treatment efficiency with reduced civil works and tank volumes. Its sustainable design features anaerobic digestion to convert sludge into biogas for on-site utilization complemented by solar drying greenhouses that leverage Dammam’s abundant sunlight. Together, these innovations directly minimize emissions and operational costs.

The construction phase, which commenced in 2020 following the financial close, achieved over 6.9 million safe man-hours with zero LTIs, created hundreds of local jobs, and advanced sustainability by recovering resources and reducing landfill dependency. These achievements directly advance several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

We are pleased to share a featured article from Global Water Intelligence (GWI), highlighting Metito Utilities’ pioneering role in advancing private sector participation in Serbia water and wastewater infrastructure.

In this article, Branislav Zec, Country Manager – Serbia, Metito Utilities, discusses the company’s long-term vision for sustainable water investments across emerging markets and its commitment to delivering resilient, impact-driven infrastructure solutions.

This article was originally published by Global Water Intelligence on 4 August 2025 under the title “Money pours into Western Balkans as EU accession talks accelerate.” It is shared here for informational purposes only. All rights and credits belong to the original author and publisher. Any opinions expressed are those of the original author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Metito Utilities.

Money pours into Western Balkans as EU accession talks accelerate

As Balkan states strive to level up their water infrastructure to EU standards, capacity constraints are becoming clearer. Demand for private sector operations – and private finance – is growing.

Published: 4 August 2025; Written by: Daniil Antonov

Rising political support for expanding EU membership is unlocking a wave of investment in water and wastewater systems in the Western Balkans. The latest EU budget (for the period 2028-34), released in July this year, shows a 37% increase in allocations for prospective member states across all sectors – a total investment of over €42 billion. Five of the nine countries on the list (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) are in the Western Balkans.

“The enlargement to the Western Balkan countries is the most important geopolitical investment we are doing,” EU Council president Antonio Costa announced on a trip to the region this Spring. “This is the right moment, and it is up to us to complete this process as soon as possible.”

Aligning water regulation in the candidate countries with the EU framework is a key priority, highlighted in the European Commission’s new Water Resilience Strategy in June. Meanwhile, EU funds will be essential in bridging the infrastructure gap. The Commission pledged to push and create a new assessment of their water investment needs in 2026.

€2.3 billion has already been committed to water and wastewater projects by the development finance community under the Western Balkan Investment Framework. The World Bank estimates up to €7 billion per year will be needed to comply with EU regulation, compared to an estimated €4 billion/year spent across the region today. Aside from development finance lenders, the European Investment Bank (EIB) alone has invested close to €845 million in the region’s water sector to date in a bit to ensure all projects meet European regulations.

Filling the service level gap

The wastewater sector currently offers the top opportunities in the Western Balkans region as countries pursue alignment with EU regulations. Out of all the capital cities in the region, only Podgorica (Montenegro) has centralised wastewater treatment facilities. High non-revenue water rates also present opportunities for digitisation and network repair as utilities look to build financial sustainability.

Source: World Bank, UN SDG6 Data, GWI

Contractors from Western Europe, the Middle East and China have all been vying for the piece of the action. Serbia has proved particularly fertile ground historically for Chinese contractors, with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CBRC) pulling in €3 billion of Chinese state funding for 165 wastewater treatment plants in 2021, and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (SMEC) being offered the first phase of Belgrade’s central wastewater treatment project in 2020 – covering the construction of networks collecting the treatment plant’s influent. Despite the early mover advantage from the Chinese companies, French firms Suez and Vinci ultimately secured the main 423,000m³/d treatment facility, signing a memorandum of understanding to design, build and operate the plant in summer 2024 in a joint-venture with Belgrade Water and Sewerage company. Metito meanwhile has secured pioneering PPP projects on both the water and wastewater side in the city of Zrenjanin.

Elsewhere in the region, development finance has paved the way. German contractors WTE Wassertechnik and PWT have picked up DFI-backed wastewater contracts in Skopje (North Macedonia) and Himara (Albania), respectively, while a Turkish consortium recently won the contract to upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Montenegro’s capital Podgorica.

Selected water projects in the Western Balkans

EU efforts towards enlargement, financially backed by development banks, are working to reduce risk for water sector projects and build a foundation for the private sector to bridge the region’s infrastructure investment gap. As the Western Balkans move towards EU membership, early entrants will be on track to secure long-term opportunities in treatment and sludge plant buildout, network construction, and digitisation.

Source: Western Balkans Investment Framework, GWI

While Kosovo has been a recipient of some of the funding targeted at the region, it is not an official candidate for EU accession at present.

Meeting the challenges

To join the EU the Western Balkans will need to leverage the private sector to close the infrastructure gap in treatment and non-revenue water. Damien Sorrell, the European Investment Bank’s regional head for the Western Balkans, told GWI: “As the Western Balkans advances on its path towards EU accession, the water sector remains an area where regulatory alignment with the EU remains necessary.

“The region must accelerate investment in infrastructure, capacity building, and digitisation of utilities. The cost of modernising and expanding water systems runs into several billion euros – a financial burden which cannot be shouldered by the public sector alone. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer a solution, but regulatory complexity and low commercial returns often deter private investors.”

Serbia has become the region’s first mover in private sector participation for water with Metito Utilities having secured the country’s first PPP for the Zrenjanin WWTP. The project is being delivered under a 25-year design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) contract. Branislav Zec, Serbia country manager for Metito Utilities, told GWI: “We saw a great deal of potential in Serbia and the region, and we believe PPPs are the right solution. There are investments in Serbia from EU grants, but when the grant finishes it’s challenging to find who is going to operate and maintain the facility. [Metito Utilities] is not only here to build and execute facilities but develop the project from the start and then offer a long-term service of 25 years.”

Since securing the Zrenjanin wastewater PPP, Metito Utilities has expanded its Serbian operations into water treatment and non-revenue water, bringing its total contract value in the country to €50 million to date. “We started with wastewater but then discovered that the city had a ban on [the use of] potable water [for drinking and cooking] since 2004. It was a complex project as first we had to remove methane, second removing a lot of organics because there is a lot of oil and natural gas. This May we reached potable water supply for the summer period. We are very proud of that.”

Zec noted Metito’s commitment to Serbia and the region’s water sector, saying that “You need an investor who is resilient. It’s not a couple of years project so you need to be committed to stay.”

The number of PPPs in the region has been limited to date owing to undeveloped regulatory environments, a lack of prior private sector participation, and fragmentation. However, project opportunities provided by development banks are serving to change sector structure in the region, paving the way for the private sector to play a greater role.

In Albania, German construction and engineering company PWT Wasser was contracted to build and operate a WWTP in Himara – the project was financed by KfW and driven by the growing tourism industry and EU directives. After seeing the benefits of a reliable private partner in training local personnel, the Himara utility requested PWT extend their operations period to at least two years, covering the tourism season. PWT project manager Endrit Mullalli told GWI that Himara was intended as a test case for private sector operation in Albania, with similar contracts potentially being rolled out nationally in a capacity building initiative.

In June 2025 Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama also announced plans for a creation of a national water supply operator to oversee Albania’s existing 58 utilities, in a bid to attract international investment and address sector fragmentation.

A view from the ground

Ghislain Juvanon, COO of PWT, explained: “I think [the Western Balkans] is an exciting part of the world and it’s on our road map as a business to be focused there. When a municipality asks us to take over running the plant for the next couple of years, it suits our strategy very well. From there we can fund our local teams and expand.”

For PWT, strict procurement standards provided by development banks reduce risk, allowing the company to capitalise on the region’s buildout to meet EU directives and demand from the tourism industry. “In the Middle East, projects are driven by optimisation and reducing costs,” Juvanon said. “In the Balkans, the water sector is driven by European directives. Also, on the Adriatic coast tourism is another driver.”

Capacity building

In addition to project financing, development banks are also facilitating capacity building programmes to lay the foundation for future private sector opportunities.

The World Bank’s Utilities of the Future (UoF) programme, headed by Camilo Lombana, has worked to reform over 100 utilities in 40 countries, and in 2024 established a Center of Excellence in the Western Balkans to build momentum for sector reform. Lombana explained: “I think one thing that is going to be key to advance the sector in the near future is how [the region] manages to attract and engage private sector participation.

“The main [reason for a lack of private sector participation] is that the government or the decision-maker have not completely seen the benefits of bringing in the private sector. We have not seen a clear example of competitive participation in one of the countries where we can say ‘Look, this is an example we can showcase’. We’re missing that.”

UoF’s current cohort of 15 Western Balkan utilities covers over 1.6 million people, with the programme working to expose utilities to good practices that have worked in similar contexts. Lombana noted that this was the first step in creating reliable partners for the private sector.

A quick guide to the investment landscape

 Albania

• Estimated €5 billion water sector investment need between 2019-2040 with tariffs set to increase by 75% by 2030 to boost bankability and attract private sector.
• Sector goals include increasing sewerage connection from 50.2% to 87%, rural water supply from 58% to 91%, and reducing 67% non-revenue water rate.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Sector fragmentation being addressed by draft state-level water law to introduce performance-based financing and requiring utilities create business plans for efficiency improvements and infrastructure modernisation.

Montenegro

• Montenegro estimates a €300 million shortfall needed to reach UWWTD compliance, including €131 million for 29 WWTPs and €212 million for expansion of sewerage networks.
• Wastewater collection rates stand at 38% in the North and 52% on the coast, with a goal of reaching 90% to meet EU directives.

North Macedonia

• UWWTD compliance costs estimated at €1.2 billion by 2041 with €100 million EIB funded facility currently accounts for 40% of WSS allocations.
• PPPs expected for sludge treatment.

Serbia

• 350 WWTPs needed for UWWTD compliance; 996,000m³/d currently untreated
• Key Projects:  1) Veliko Selo WWTP in Belgrade awarded to Suez. 2) Clean Serbia (CBRC and the Bank of China) €3 billion programme to 165 WWTPs and 5,200km of sewerage networks
• National Sludge Management Plan launched in 2023: Annual production to rise from 4,000 tonnes (2023) to 18,000-23,000 tonnes (2029) and 135,000 tonnes (2041). Authorities exploring technology and PPPs to handle growth from WWTP buildout.

Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, in partnership with The City of Zrenjanin (The City) and Public Utility Company (PUC) for Zrenjanin, has achieved a significant operational milestone in the Realization of the Zrenjanin Water Treatment Project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agreement — Serbia’s first PPP project in the water sector.

Since April 22, 2025, the Water Treatment Plant took over the city’s water supply and began continuous trial operations, and continuous water quality optimization and testing has been carried out. According to water analysis results from the Institute for Public Health Zrenjanin, dated May 20, confirm that the water at the plant’s outlet, is fully compliant with the ‘’Rulebook on the Hygienic Correctness of Drinking Water in the Republic of Serbia ’’. This achievement represents a significant step toward solving the long-standing problem of providing drinking water for the citizens of Zrenjanin.

To mark the completion of the investment in the facilities and technology of the plant, the successful implementation of trial operations, and the obtained water quality results – a site visit was organized. The event was attended by high-level officials and project partners, including Dragan Glamočić, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia, along with his associates; H.E. Ahmed Almenhali, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Serbia; Simo Salapura, Mayor of Zrenjanin and his associates; Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities; Predrag Bodiroga, Director of PUC for Zrenjanin and his associates; Walid Madwar, CCO of Metito Utilities; and Branislav Zec, Country Manager – Serbia of Metito Utilities; as well as representatives of the contractors.

Prof.Dr.Dragan Glamočić, The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, emphasized that the reconstruction of the water treatment plant is a significant step toward a permanent solution for supplying safe drinking water in Zrenjanin. “I am pleased to be here today and to have the opportunity to witness the implementation of such an important project for the citizens. Zrenjanin has faced serious water supply issues for many years, as have several other areas in Vojvodina. Investments like this demonstrate that, with determination and strong cooperation, long-standing challenges can be overcome,” said the Minister. He added that the second phase of the project has been successfully completed, and that activities related to water quality testing are expected in the coming period, followed by official confirmations from the competent institutions regarding its safety for consumption.

Simo Salapura, The Mayor of Zrenjanin, expressed his satisfaction with the successful cooperation on this PPP project: “We are pleased with the work delivered by Metito Utilities, and we are continuing to work on this project, confident that together with the investor, we can finally solve this historic problem of supplying safe drinking water to the City of Zrenjanin. By all means, in addition to our and Metito Utilities’ efforts, we greatly appreciate the commitment and support of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Provincial Government of Vojvodina. We are in daily communication with all parties involved in the process and are confident that the contractual obligations will be fulfilled. The water quality in the city’s network is being constantly monitored, and preliminary results are giving us confidence that we are on the right path. As before, everything we have done aims to ensure that the citizens of Zrenjanin receive safe drinking water,””, said Mr. Salapura.

Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, said that: “Metito Utilities is committed to delivering environmentally responsible and socially impactful water solutions. This project with an investment of 19 million Euro is a model of a sustainable partnership, tailored engineering, and positive social impact – already positioned as a benchmark for similar initiatives in the region,”.

The project was awarded in accordance with the Agreement on Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, ratified in the Assembly of the Republic of Serbia by the Law on Confirmation of the Agreement on Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which was signed with the company Metito Utilities in 2022, and includes the development, modernization and management of the Zrenjanin Water Treatment Plant.

Metito Utilities is proud to be at the forefront of a strategic shift toward sustainable solutions in the region to deliver sustainable and high-impact solutions. 

Metito Utilities is making significant progress in Uzbekistan, collaborating closely with key stakeholders to enhance the country’s water infrastructure. We are excited to be part of over 15 investment agreements forged during the recent historic visit of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to meet with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.  

Key Projects in Focus: 

• Modernization of Pumping Stations – Namangan Region: As part of our expanded project scope post-presidential visit, we are upgrading critical pumping infrastructure to significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of the region’s water supply systems. 

• Namangan Wastewater Treatment PPP Project: Valued at USD 100 million, this Public-Private Partnership is the first of its kind in Uzbekistan and the broader CIS region. The project is currently advancing toward financial closure, with construction preparations underway. nce operational, this project will treat 100,000 m³/day, playing a key role in enhancing water management in the region. 

These initiatives reflect our long-term commitment to enabling resilient water infrastructure, supporting economic development, and ensuring water security for future generations in Uzbekistan.