The beginning of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine became, for many of us, a call for immediate action. It was then that our unique cooperation with the Mayor and the City Council of Zalishchyky grew even stronger
Frequent discussions about joint activities gave rise to new initiatives. When the call for proposals under the Interreg NEXT Poland–Ukraine 2021–2027 Programme was launched, Zalishchyky was ready to implement a project and willing to enter into a partnership under the ENVIRONMENT priority
Facing common challenges brought the partners closer together and resulted in the Polish-Ukrainian project entitled “PACT – Partnership for a Cleaner Tomorrow. Cross-border project to improve sustainable wastewater management in Yaroslav and Zaleszczyki” (acronym: PACT). The initiative, implemented by the Water Supply and Sewerage Company in Jarosław and the Municipal Enterprise “Zalishchyky Vodokanal”, will improve wastewater management in both cities.
Why ENVIRONMENT?
Jarosław and Zalishchyky face very similar challenges: ageing water and wastewater infrastructure, limited access to sewerage systems and increasing pressure on the natural environment. The PACT project was created to enable both cities to introduce modern solutions and jointly develop sustainable and environmentally friendly water and wastewater management systems.
What is changing?
On the Polish side of the border, the project focuses on expanding the sewerage network. Approximately 8.4 km of new infrastructure is being constructed in Jarosław. As a result, residents of the northern part of the city will finally be able to connect their homes to the sewerage system. For many people, this means greater everyday convenience and a tangible improvement in their quality of life.
So far, the Polish Partner has already constructed more than 3 km of gravity sewers and approximately 200 metres of pressure sewers, as well as installed underground wastewater pumping stations.
This is a breakthrough moment. The problem of the lack of sewerage infrastructure in this part of the city had been postponed for years. I am very pleased that this is finally changing
In Zalishchyky, the project includes the modernisation of the wastewater treatment plant. The Ukrainian Partner is upgrading the facility to improve its capacity to treat wastewater generated by approximately 9,000 residents. As a result, less pollution will be discharged into the Dniester River, helping to keep this beautiful river cleaner and improve the condition of the environment.
What are the plans?
Both cities are also working together at the planning level. Jarosław and Zalishchyky are preparing a strategy to demonstrate how, in the coming years, water and wastewater can be managed more sustainably, resources can be used more efficiently and infrastructure can be developed in an environmentally friendly way on both sides of the border.
An important element of the project is also taking into account the opinions of local residents. The Partners are conducting surveys and analyses to better understand local needs and challenges related to water supply and wastewater management. Based on the findings, reports are being prepared to support informed decision-making.
Education and development
In both cities, the Partners have organised training courses for employees of water and wastewater utilities, meetings with residents and conferences dedicated to modern technologies in sanitary engineering.
Employees of the utilities are developing their competences and acquiring new skills, while residents have the opportunity to learn how to use water responsibly and contribute to environmental protection.
What will the results be?
The project is delivering tangible benefits: cleaner rivers, modern infrastructure, safer sanitary conditions and increased environmental awareness. In Jarosław, more residents will gain access to the sewerage system, while in Zalishchyky the efficiency of wastewater treatment will improve.
PACT also demonstrates that cross-border cooperation can genuinely support the development of local communities and deliver lasting results on both sides of the border.
More information about the project is available HERE.
