A press conference was held as part of the project “CONSTRUCTION OF WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS FOR THE ZABOK DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND THE ZLATAR DRAINAGE SYSTEM.”
At the Zabok Reservoir, a contract for the continuation of co-financing for the project “Construction of a wastewater collection and drainage system for the Zabok drainage system and the Zlatar drainage system” was signed. The contract was signed by Mario Mihovilić, Director of Zagorje Water Supply, Zoran Đuroković, General Director of Croatian Waters, and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Damir Habijan.
Mario Mihovilić, Director of Zagorje Water Supply, provided an update on the progress of the works so far, stating that 75% of the contract value has been completed regarding the sewerage network and two wastewater treatment plants. Trial operation of the wastewater treatment plants is planned for August, with most of the necessary works for the system to be operational completed by then. Operational permits for the wastewater treatment plants are expected to be obtained within a year.
Zoran Đuroković, Director of Croatian Waters, emphasized the benefits of this project for the local community, as the treatment plants will enable the purification of water for over 50,000 residents, significantly contributing to environmental protection and the quality of life for inhabitants. A total of 5,875 properties, comprising over 16,000 citizens, will be connected to the drainage system. He expressed gratitude to the project beneficiary for their contributions thus far and to the Croatian government for ensuring the project’s completion.
Minister Habijan highlighted that during the financial period of 2016-2024, €4.4 billion has been allocated for water utility projects, with €120.05 million specifically for the Krapina-Zagorje County. The entire envelope of €950 million from the Operational Program for Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014-2020 has been utilized, and regarding the National Cohesion Policy Operational Program, €1.24 billion has been fully contracted. He emphasized that the government, in collaboration with Croatian Waters and local government units, will continue to invest in water management projects to promote a cleaner environment, improve community life quality, and stimulate demographic renewal in areas undertaking such projects.
The final value of the project will amount to €80 million, while today’s signed contract is valued at €36 million. The project includes the cities of Zabok, Oroslavje, Donja Stubica, and Zlatar, as well as the municipalities of Veliko Trgovišće, Bedekovčina, Sveti Križ Začretje, Mače, Stubičke Toplice, Gornja Stubica, Marija Bistrica, Zlatar Bistrica, Konjščina, and Lobor.
Representatives from the project beneficiary, Zagorje Water Supply Ltd., Director Mario Mihovilić, General Director of Croatian Waters Zoran Đuroković, Director of the Water Management and Sea Protection Directorate at the Ministry of Economy, Ms. Elizabeta Kos, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mr. Damir Habijan, representatives of the contractors, and media representatives participated in the press conference.
