Rebuilding Infrastructure – Water and School Programs

Since 1999, USAID has spent approximately $26 million on Kosovo’s infrastructure, including electrical overhead lines, school, library and cultural center rehabilitation, water and sanitation projects, road repairs and health centers.

Current Activities

Today, USAID is focusing on two areas where infrastructure improvements are needed – schools and water/sanitation.

1. Small Infrastructure for Water and Sanitation Program
2. Small Infrastructure for Education in Kosovo (SIEK) Program


Small Infrastructure for Water and Sanitation Program

USAID’s Small Infrastructure for Water and Sanitation Program, with partner International Relief and Development (IRD), is helping four municipalities improve the quality of and access to potable water and sanitation for 85,000 residents.

USAID is working with the municipalities of Pejë/Pec, Klinë/Klina, Malishevë/Malisevo, Gllogovc/Glogovac and their respective Regional Water Companies. Access to potable water in these areas is, on the average, about 45% compared to the national average of 61%.

In general, the program is constructing water and sanitation projects that have a high impact on the health and socio-economic well being of communities in the targeted municipalities. Approximately 85,000 people will benefit from improved water and sanitation infrastructure under this program.


Small Infrastructure for Education in Kosovo Program

USAID’s Small Infrastructure for Education in Kosovo (SIEK) Program, in partnership with CHF International, is expanding the space in existing schools and refurbishing schools with the goal of reducing the number of school shifts from three or four to two prior to the 2010-11 school year.

The SIEK program works in close coordination with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) and municipalities in identifying schools for expansion or refurbishment.

The activity supports priorities for improved education infrastructure in Kosovo presented at the 2008 Donors’ Conference. By reducing school shifts, and refurbishing schools, the project aims to help provide quality conditions for teaching and learning. USAID expects to implement at least 35 projects benefiting 45,000 students.

The cooperating municipalities are Ferizaj/Urosevac, Gjilan/Gnjilane, Gllogovc/Glogovac, Mitrovice/Mitrovica, Pristina, Prizren, and Vushtrri/Vucitrn.