The European Investment Bank (EIB) announces a loan of
EUR
20 million (44 million Netherlands guilders) [1] to the water company
Waterleidingmaatschappij
Drenthe N.V. (WMD) for the modernisation of its
production and distribution systems. The publicly owned
WMD is responsible for the production and distribution of
drinking water in the Province of Drenthe (in the north
of the country). The investment scheme being co-financed
by the EIB will improve the Province's natural
environment as well as the quality of water supply for
the local population (half a million) and industrial
customers.
A key objective of the scheme is to reduce the
extraction of ground water to sustainable levels. Partial
relocation of production from ecologically sensitive
areas to environmentally more robust zones will help
diminish the seasonal lowering of ground water tables,
that negatively affect natural - and farming - areas.
Draining of aquifers is of particular concern to the
Dutch national and regional authorities. A large part of
the EIB financed WMD investment scheme has been accorded
“green status” in conformity with Dutch
legislation, a seal of quality for projects with a
considerable positive impact on the environment.
The works being financed will also enhance the quality
of water by reducing calcium content, renovating the pipe
network, improving the reliability of drinking water
supplies, and developing and applying modern technologies
in waste water recycling. The investment will furthermore
enhance economic activity in less-developed regions as
two thirds of the Province are designated as assisted
areas. As a consequence, the overall scheme is consistent
with the EIB objectives to improve the natural
environment and citizens' quality of life, as well as
promoting regional development.
Other water supply schemes supported by the EIB in the
Netherlands include projects in the Province of North
Holland in 1998 and in the Province of Limburg in 1999.
The Bank has lent EUR 31.5 billion for natural and urban
environmental projects within the European Union over the
past five years (1995-1999). Total EIB lending provided
in the Netherlands in the same period amounted to over
EUR 2.2 billion.
Background notes:
- The EIB, the European Union's financing
institution, supports capital investment projects
contributing towards one or more of the following
EU policy objectives: regional development;
transport, telecommunications and Trans-European
Networks (TENs); a secure energy supply base;
improvement of the natural and urban environment;
development of infrastructure in the health and
education sectors; enhancement of the
competitiveness and integration of European
industry; investment by SMEs; venture capital
finance. Outside the EU, the Bank participates in
implementing the EU's development policy in
accordance with the terms of the various
agreements which the Union has concluded with
some 130 countries. Owned by the EU Member
States, the EIB raises its funds on the capital
markets (“AAA” issuer).
For further information, please contact
the EIB's Information and Communications Department (Mrs Yvonne Berghorst, tel.: +352 43
79 31 54, e-mail: y.berghorst@eib.org).
(1) EUR 1 = NLG 2.20
