September 6 (SeeNews) - The European Commission said on Monday it has approved the allocation of 175 million euro ($208 million) from the Cohesion Fund to support the modernization of drinking water and wastewater installations in Romania's southern county of Olt.
The new infrastructure will reduce leaks and disruptions in water supply, contributing to Romania's compliance with the requirements of the EU drinking water directive, the Commission said in a press release.
The wastewater network will be extended by 259 km, while some 38 km of the existing system will be rehabilitated. At the same time, 64 km of drainage pipes will be installed, ten wastewater pumping stations will be renovated and 156 new stations will be built.
"The project is a perfect example of how cohesion policy brings direct benefits to European citizens, maintaining and protecting the environment and promoting the efficient use of resources," EU Commissioner for cohesion and reform Elisa Ferreira said.
This investment will contribute to local socio-economic development by improving the standard of living of rural residents and by creating jobs in both the construction and implementation stages, the Commission added.
($= 0.8432 euro)