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Washington DC Water Video Production: “Romania: Inside the Aggregation of Raja Constanta” World Bank Group
2017Time: 4:50World Bank Water
The aggregation of the Romanian water utility Raja Constanta was meant to improve performance, environmental standards, and efficiency. The expansion of the service area extended to both rural and urban areas, and ultimately 278 million Euros from the EU helped make much-needed infrastructure upgrades. The scope was comprehensive, covering both water and wastewater through production, distribution, collection, and treatment. Initially, aggregation was perceived as a top-down takeover of water services, and some localities were opposed to the design and especially the tariff increases. Ultimately, as leaders aligned local and national interests, the reform became more popular. And it set the stage for modern services for the next generations of Romanians.