The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with support from Switzerland and the European Union, is investing in improved wastewater services in the city of Naryn in the Kyrgyz Republic. The project will support the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and expand access to safer sanitation services for local residents.
The financing package includes a €2 million sovereign loan from the EBRD, a €3.6 million grant from Switzerland and a €1 million grant from the European Union. Together, these funds will support major wastewater infrastructure upgrades in the city.
The project will finance the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, the extension of the main sewerage network, two new pumping stations and the purchase of new operational equipment. These improvements are expected to strengthen the city’s wastewater management capacity.
Naryn has a population of around 42,000 people, but access to wastewater services remains limited. Currently, only about 22 percent of residents are connected to the wastewater system, while many households continue to depend on outdoor toilets or septic tanks.
Once completed, the project is expected to double the number of residents benefiting from improved wastewater services, from around 10,000 to more than 20,000 people. This will help improve living conditions and provide more reliable sanitation infrastructure for the community.
The upgraded wastewater system is also expected to improve public health by reducing exposure to unsafe sanitation conditions. Better wastewater treatment will help limit environmental pollution and support cleaner local surroundings.
The project will also contribute to climate resilience and lower operating costs. By modernising infrastructure and equipment, Naryn will be better equipped to manage wastewater services efficiently and sustainably.
Switzerland has been a long-term development partner of the Kyrgyz Republic. Since 1994, it has provided more than CHF 560 million in technical, financial and humanitarian support to the country.
The EBRD has also played a major role in supporting water and wastewater infrastructure in the Kyrgyz Republic. To date, it has invested more than €196 million in 32 water supply and wastewater treatment projects across 28 municipalities.
These EBRD-supported investments include €87 million in loans and €109 million in capital investment grants. Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs has provided €33 million, while the European Union has contributed €46 million.
Overall, the Naryn wastewater project reflects continued international support for improving essential municipal services in the Kyrgyz Republic. By expanding wastewater treatment, improving sanitation and reducing pollution, the project is expected to support public health, environmental protection and more resilient urban infrastructure.
