Montenegro is advancing preparations for a €55 million water-services and climate-resilience programme, with implementation discussions focusing on municipal priorities and financing arrangements and potentially leading to procurement in water-network rehabilitation, leakage reduction and utility technology.
Government officials and World Bank representatives are discussing implementation of the WASEC programme, including municipal priorities and the financing structure for planned investments. The programme covers the rehabilitation and expansion of water networks, reduction of water losses, sewer infrastructure, rural water systems and measures to strengthen supply resilience. Planned activities also include enhanced monitoring of utility performance and the introduction of digital systems.
The programme’s scope extends to technology and engineering services alongside conventional water infrastructure. Potential requirements include smart meters, pressure-management systems, hydraulic modelling, acoustic leak-detection equipment, pumps, treatment equipment and digital network-management platforms. Water losses in parts of Montenegro are described as extremely high, increasing the importance of measures aimed at reducing leakage. Lower losses can increase the amount of water effectively available through existing networks, while reducing the need for equivalent investment in new water sources and potentially lowering pumping and treatment costs.
For engineering companies, the programme provides a basis for moving from emergency network repairs towards more systematic asset management. Digital monitoring is expected to support the management of water entering distribution networks, consumption and losses. This creates requirements for solutions combining field equipment with software and data analysis. The programme may also generate technical services after infrastructure construction is completed. Meters require calibration, sensors require maintenance and utility-management systems require ongoing technical support, extending requirements beyond the initial infrastructure works.
The timing and structure of procurement remain dependent on municipalities and the World Bank finalising individual investment packages. The implementation discussions concern the transition from the broader water-sector reform programme towards specific local projects.
