September 3 (SeeNews) - The European Commission said on Tuesday it has approved the allocation of 275.7 million euro ($301.7 million) to Romania to improve the supply of drinking water as well as wastewater collection and treatment services in Cluj and Salaj counties.
Once the project is completed, almost 240,000 inhabitants will have access to higher-quality drinking water, the Commission said in a press release.
"Everyone should have access to good drinking water. Through this cohesion project, the EU invests in the health and quality of life of citizens, while protecting the environment and reducing water losses," EU Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella said.
The project will increase the percentage of population with access to the drinking water supply network to 95% from 79% at present.
The works will extend the supply of drinking water by using microbiologically controlled sources.
The project also includes upgrades to the water treatment plant in Gilau commune, the rehabilitation of the groundwater source in Floresti commune in Cluj county and the construction or reconstruction of some networks whose length totals almost 1,550 km. The completion of the project is scheduled for July 2023.
($=0.9137 euro)