After decades without adequate access to water, residents of Banja Luka and surrounding areas have been provided with stable access to clean water. With the support of the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a major infrastructure project has been implemented, directly contributing to improved quality of life, environmental protection, and the development of the local economy.
By upgrading and expanding the water supply network across the wider Banja Luka area, long-standing problems faced by residents have been resolved. Deteriorated sections of the network were reconstructed, existing capacities expanded, and new water supply systems built for settlements that previously had no access to public water services. Around 200 kilometersof pipelines and ten new pumping stations were constructed in the city and surrounding rural areas, enabling access to the public water supply for more than 95% of the population.
For residents such as Dragan Bošnjak, a farmer and shop owner from Slavićka near Banja Luka—whose local community relied on informal water sources for decades—this project marks a turning point in everyday life and business. “For a long time, we felt isolated because we did not have adequate water supply. Being connected to the water system means much more than carrying out household chores — it affects everything we do, from caring for livestock to agricultural work. We are immensely grateful for this investment,” Bošnjak emphasized.
Upon completion of all works under this complex infrastructure project, which began in 2019, more than 17,000 new users will be connected to the upgraded Banja Luka water supply system. The project has also enabled a reduction in water losses, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced service quality for citizens.
The European Union grant of €4 million, together with a €10 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the project in Banja Luka, is part of a broader initiative to ensure safer and more reliable access to water in urban and rural communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina. By investing in infrastructure and strengthening the capacities of public utility companies, these investments contribute to long-term resilience, environmental protection, and a better quality of life for citizens.
