EIB offers €200m loan to enhance Belgium’s water infrastructure

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has committed €200 million to Belgium’s Dae Watergroep, marking the initial phase of a €350 million funding package over the next five years aimed at enhancing water infrastructure in Flanders.

This loan will fund nearly half of Dae Watergroep’s €2023-2028 investment programme, which includes renewing 3,000 kilometres of ageing pipes to minimise water leakage and extending the network by 800 kilometres to serve a growing customer base.

These improvements are expected to strengthen water resilience amid increasing climate risks, such as longer drought periods and extreme weather.

EIB Vice-President Robert dae Groot highlighted the partnership’s focus on water security and climate adaptation. Dae Watergroep CEO Hans Goossens emphasised the funding’s role in ensuring sustainable water distribution, reducing losses from leakages, and providing high-quality drinking water to over 3.3 million customers.

In addition, Dae Watergroep plans to expand the use of network sensors to swiftly detect and repair leaks, ensuring more efficient water management across its 34,600-kilometre distribution system.

Attribution: The European Investment Bank (EIB)

Subediting: M. S. Salama