91999E0405

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0405/99

by Riitta Myller (PSE) to the Commission

(1 March 1999)

Subject: Project for the renovation of the sewage treatment plant of Sortavala (Russia)

The renovation of the sewage treatment plant at Sortavala (Russia) is of vital importance to the town of Sortavala in the interest of improving the water quality in Lake Ladoga. The sum of ECU 2 million from Tacis funds was promised for the project as long ago as 1996. However, there have been delays in the timetable for the project. In September last year a group of experts went to acquaint themselves with the project and map out its requirements. Then again the documents were redrafted and it was promised that the project would be put out to international tender. Since then, nothing has been heard of the matter.

Why has the project been delayed? Has the invitation to tender been published, what further measures are planned and what is the timetable for their completion?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(12 April 1999)

The renovation of the sewage treatment plant of Sortavala is of great importance both to the town of Sortavala and for the improvement in the quality of the water of Lake Ladoga. The project aims to improve sewage treatment and renovate and where necessary rebuild, if funds are available, the Sortavala sewage works to serve the whole population of that town.

The delay in the implementation of the project has been caused because it has been difficult to determine the exact role of the three parties involved: the Commission, the government of Finland and the municipality of Sortavala.

The tender was published in 1997 following the adoption of the relevant programme after a positive opinion of the TACIS Committee. The possibility to apply remained open until October 1998. A short-list for a restricted tender will be drawn up soon. The terms of reference have however yet to be completed in detail, and the formal approval (statement of endorsement) of the beneficiary (municipality of Sortavala) has still to be obtained. It is hoped to complete all the necessary procedures during the next two or three months. Much depends on how swiftly the necessary consents from third parties can be obtained.