Citizens and businesses in Gradačac now enjoy reliable access to clean water and modern sewage infrastructure—a feat that, until recently, was one of the key challenges for daily life and urban development. Thanks to one of the city’s most significant infrastructure projects, realized with the support of the European Union, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and bilateral donors through the EU Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), living conditions, environmental protection, and the business environment have been improved across the entire region.
As part of this initiative, 40 kilometers of dilapidated asbestos pipes in the city center were replaced, while an additional 140 kilometers of new water supply networks were constructed. This has provided access to clean water for households and businesses that previously lacked it. Simultaneously, the construction of over 40 kilometers of new sewage networks expanded the capacity for wastewater collection and treatment, further protecting the environment.
The expanded water network and upgraded sewage infrastructure helped resolve the daily struggles faced by numerous households and farmers, such as Nevresa Jukan. “For me, Gradačac is the most beautiful city in the world. Previously, being without water was hard for both the household and livestock, which was especially challenging for those of us in agriculture. This has made the functioning of our home and everything else much easier. We need water for everything,” Jukan emphasizes.
Reliable access to clean water now allows households and farmers to plan their activities without being dependent on weather conditions or incurring additional costs, such as purchasing bottled water. The rapid development of Gradačac, like many other places across Bosnia and Herzegovina, had not been matched by an adequate expansion of the water and sewage networks, leading to long-standing challenges for residents. The replacement of old asbestos pipes and the construction of new systems for water processing and purification have successfully improved both living and business conditions.
Beyond residential benefits, the new sewage network is particularly significant for Gradačac’s growing industrial zone. Since most businesses aim to export their products to the EU Single Market—Bosnia and Herzegovina’s largest economic partner—aligning production quality with EU standards is a fundamental prerequisite. Haso Omerović, a local business owner, highlights the importance of such investments: “Wastewater was a problem for us until we had a proper sewage system. Now that it’s done, we have a strong foundation for obtaining the CE mark, which is vital for us to export to Europe.”
The project was made possible through €3.4 million in grants provided by the WBIF and a €6 million loan from the EBRD, allowing Gradačac to become an example of investment in efficient and sustainable local infrastructure. By investing in such projects and strengthening the capacities of local communities, the European Union continues to enable safer and more reliable access to water across Bosnia and Herzegovina, creating better living conditions, a stronger economy, and a preserved environment.