(The article below originally appeared in the local Kosovo newspaper Zëri. See a scan of the original article.)

Opening of the Water Pump for Three Villages
The water system, which is designed to provide water for 2700 residents from the villages of Boubel, Chepeve, and Damanek, is a joint project between USAID and the commonwealth of Malishev, and had a total cost of 360,000 euros.

Malisheva, Kosovo - June 9, 2010 - The new water system for the villages of Boubel, Chepeve, and Damanek of the commonwealth of Malishev has opened for public use. At the inauguration ceremony for this 360,000 euro project, along with local Mayor Isni Kilaj, was USAID director Patricia Radar, IRD director for program operations Jasna Basaric-Keys, and IRD board members from America, Vera Silverman and Joseph Browdy.

Mayor Isni Kilaj, congratulated the residents of the three villages and expressed his gratitude towards USAID for their investment in this project.

“You supported us before the war, during, and now not only in building long term democratic institutions but also in finding practical solutions to our everyday problems, and for this we shall be forever grateful”, expressed Kilaj.

USAID director Patricia Rader expressed how glad she was that her country was able to help the people of Kosovo in these projects which solve problems in their lives.

“Water is a special gift, and I ask that you cherish it and use it wisely, but I also ask that you pay for what you use”, she said to a group of residents gathered for the ceremony, in following with her requests from central and local government that they support water utility companies so that they may best perform their services.

“We will collaborate with the central government, local government, and with utility companies so that we can maximize the success of our projects”, finished Rader.

The representative of the Southern Water Utility, Besim Baraliu, promised good oversight over water distribution. On behalf of the residents of the three localities, he devoted a special thanks to Sedat Sahitaj from the village of Boubli.

The project to provide water for these three villages consists of a 85 meter well, a pump station capable of extracting 15 liters per second, and a 2000 meter piped transmission system.

This water system will provide clean water for 2700 residents, and is expected to operate successfully for at least 25 years.

The local construction company “Muratori”, was commended for their careful work.