Infrastructure

Metito bags contract for Serbia’s first PPP water treatment project

In 2021 the firm launched strategic operations in the country through investing in the Zrenjanin Wastewater Treatment Plant PPP

Water and energy management solution provider Metito has been appointed by the City of Zrenjanin and Serbia’s Public Water Company (PWC) to develop, modernise and operate what’s billed as a state-of-the-art water treatment plant in the Zrenjanin. The deal is said to be the first public private partnership (PPP) water treatment project in the Republic of Serbia.

The contract was signed by Metito Managing Director, Rami Ghandour, Mayor of the City of Zrenjanin, Simo Salapura, and PWC Acting Director, Predrag Bodiroga. The signing ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabic, H. E. Ambassador of the UAE in Serbia, Mubarak Saeed Burshaid Al Dhaheri, Metito Vice President for Business Development, Walid Madwar, and Metito Country Manager for Serbia, Branislav Zec.

Brnabić commented, “With the signing of the contract for the realisation of a water treatment project in Zrenjanin, we have taken a huge step towards solving a decades-long problem for the citizens of the city. I would like to thank the Mayor of Zrenjanin and his team for their persistent efforts to find a solution to such a complex challenge together, and I also thank the Public Water Company and especially Metito Company, which, based on its experience in the water sector around the world and the innovative technologies it applies, will be our true partner on this project.”

In March 2022, the firm said it secured a US$120mn sustainability-linked loan (SLL) to support its mission of developing sustainable water management solutions and a cleaner environment.

According to Metito, the water quality challenge in Zrenjanin is a complex case and, leveraging its global expertise, it devised a sustainable and innovative solution that will see the integration of state-of-the -art technology. Such strategic projects will help the Republic of Serbia achieve its Water Management Strategy in support of the country’s 2020-2025 Vision and sustainable development goals, the firm said.

Salapura noted, “This contract represents a double gain. We have as our partner a renowned company that has innovative technology, and the investment value of at least US $18.1mn. The biggest guarantee of this project will be the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and we have invested maximum caution and made sure to minimise risks for the city and citizens to the lowest possible level.”

Ghandour stated, “We are honoured to work alongside the Serbian Government, the City of Zrenjanin and the Public Water Company on this strategic project. Over the course of six decades of global experience, a growing portfolio of over 3,000 projects across 50 countries, we have partnered with governments, worked with industries and communities to secure and manage their water needs. We are confident we can deliver this project, while keeping the health, safety and environment central to our sustainable operations.”

Metito stated that it currently has two active projects in Serbia with a planned investment of approximately $50.3mn. In January, the firm – as part of a joint venture – was shortlisted at the 2021 Big Project Middle East Awards in the ‘Sustainable Project of the Year’ category, while in March, the firm was appointed for the restoration of the 20 MIGD Hamriyah SWRO plant in Sharjah.

 

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