Zrenjanin Water Treatment PPP Project achieves key operational milestone

Zrenjanin Water Treatment PPP Project achieves key operational milestone

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.