The contract for the realisation of the water treatment project in Zrenjanin was signed between Metito, the city of Zrenjanin and Serbia’s Public Water Company.
The signing of the first public-private partnership project for a water treatment plant facility in the Republic of Serbia has been announced at an official ceremony. Metito, a provider of intelligent water and alternative energy management solutions, has been appointed by the city of Zrenjanin and Serbia’s Public Water Company (PWC), as the partner to develop, modernise and operate a water treatment plant in the city.
The contract was signed by Rami Ghandour, managing director of Metito; Simo Salapura, mayor of the city of Zrenjanin; and Predrag Bodiroga, acting director of PWC. The signing ceremony was attended by Ana Brnabic, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia; H. E. Mubarak Saeed Burshaid Al Dhaheri, ambassador of the UAE in Serbia; Walid Madwar, vice-president for business development at Metito; and Branislav Zec, country manager for Serbia at Metito.
“With the signing of the contract for realisation of a water treatment project in Zrenjanin, we have taken a huge step towards solving a decades-long problem for the citizens of Zrenjanin. 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,” said Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić.
The water quality challenge in Zrenjanin is a complex case, and Metito has devised a sustainable solution that will see the company integrating technology and leveraging its global resources and knowledge while committing to environmental stewardship. 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.
Simo Salapura, mayor of Zrenjanin, stated: “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 €18 million. 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.”
Rami Ghandour, managing director at Metito, commented: “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 currently has two active projects in Serbia with a planned investment of approximately €50 million. Earlier in 2021, Metito launched its strategic operations in the Republic of Serbia, through investing in the Zrenjanin Wastewater Treatment Plant PPP.
