Washington, DC — March 22, 2006 — As part of the celebration of World Water Day, IRD announced the completion of ten water health and safety projects in Montenegro, funded in part by USAID. These projects directly benefited more than 42,000 people.

The ten projects — at a total cost of $2.6 million — were all located in coastal communities along the Adriatic Sea. Local communities contributed $1 million in in-kind services to the total cost of the projects.

Four of the projects improved or increased potable water supplies in Bar Municipality. Five of the projects increased water supply or water conservation in the communities of Tivat, Cetinje, Herceg Novi and Ulcinj. These activities will improve the health of the citizens and bring in more tourism to the area in the summer months, when water has been scarce. The tenth project, also in Ulcinj, supplied equipment that prevents sewer overflows to urban areas and beaches. In addition, this project will improve the environment, the health of individuals and attract tourism.

During the course of rebuilding sewers, improving drainage systems, and installing new equipment, more than 1000 local citizens were put to work.

“We are delighted to commemorate World Water Day today with the successful completion of our water projects,” said Arthur B. Keys, Jr., president and CEO of IRD. “The world often fails to see the small steps that are so important in making our lives healthy and safe.”