The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with support from Switzerland and the European Union (EU), is investing in improved wastewater services in the Kyrgyz city of Naryn, according to a press release. The initiative, announced on 19 June 2026, will fund the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in the city. It is expected to expand access to modern sanitation for more than 20,000 local residents. The project combines sovereign lending with international grant support. Together, the partners aim to strengthen public health and environmental protection in the region.
Naryn is a city of around 42,000 people where access to wastewater services remains limited. Only about 22 percent of residents are currently connected to the sewerage network. Many households rely on outdoor toilets or septic tanks for daily sanitation needs. This situation has long posed challenges for public health and the local environment. The new project directly addresses these long-standing gaps in basic services.
The financial package totals several million euros from three partners. It comprises a €2 million sovereign loan from the EBRD, a €3.6 million grant from Switzerland and a €1 million grant from the EU. The funds will support the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and the extension of the main sewerage network. Two new pumping stations and new operational equipment are also included in the scope. The works will form the backbone of upgraded wastewater services in Naryn.
Once completed, the project will help improve public health, reduce environmental pollution, strengthen resilience to climate change and lower operating costs. The number of people benefiting from improved wastewater services is expected to double from about 10,000 to 20,000 residents. The government of Switzerland supports the development of the Kyrgyz Republic through several channels. Since 1994, Switzerland has granted more than CHF 560 million to the Kyrgyz Republic through technical, financial and humanitarian support. This new contribution adds to that long-standing cooperation.
To date, the EBRD has invested more than €196 million in 32 water supply and wastewater treatment projects across 28 municipalities in the Kyrgyz Republic. The investments comprise €87 million in loans and €109 million in capital investment grants. Of the grant total, €33 million was provided by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and €46 million by the EU. The Naryn project builds on this established portfolio of municipal infrastructure work. It marks another step in the partners’ joint effort to modernize essential services in the country.
