On Saturday 18 October the final steps of the “Sustainable Supply of Drinking Water in Komen Karst” project were officially completed. Present at the opening ceremony was the Norwegian Ambassador to Slovenia, Ms Guro Katharina Vikør, who praised the efforts of the project management and thanked Mayor Uroš Slamič for his good cooperation.
Fire safety in Komen Karst. Photo: Andrej Djordjevic
The project’s completion means that settlements in the Komen Karst area that had previously relied on a water supply from rainwater wells or the delivery of water in tanks, now enjoy a sustainable supply of drinking water. Waterworks have been constructed in the eastern part of the village Brje pri Komnu. Furthermore, a water reservoir in the village of Nadrožica has been built. And finally, a pipeline to the to the village of Lukovec, with a network connecting all houses in the village, a reservoir, and a hydraulic station, have also been constructed.
Ambassador Vikør meets the press. Photo: Andrej Djordjevic
Komen Karst is also known as one of the most vulnerable areas in Slovenia regarding forest fires. Both 2003 and 2006 saw major fires in the region. Hence, secure access to water also means increased fire safety.
Secure access to water will hopefully also increase settlements in this demographically challenged area. Extended consequences will also be seen in the economic sphere.
Of a total cost of 587,000 EUR the project in Komen Karst was granted 396,449 EUR from the EEA Financial Mechanisms.
Photo: Andrej Djordjevic
Quick facts about the EEA and Norway Grants:
Funds for projects in Slovenia:
- Total allocation EEA Grants: EUR 6.1 million
- Total allocation Norway Grants: EUR 12.5 million
- Total allocation: EUR 18.6 million
EEA and Norway Grants to projects in Europe:
- EEA Grants: EUR 600 million
- Norway Grants: EUR 567 million