The World Bank is supporting a project that will bring water benefits to around 500,000 people in Kosovo.

The Kosovo Water Security and Canal Protection Project aims to restore the main water canal in the country – Ibër Canal.

It is a multipurpose water conveyance system supplying water for energy production, mining, industrial, agricultural and household uses.

Central Kosovo, including the capital Pristina, depends almost entirely on this canal to meet its water needs, according to the Bank.

Marco Mantovanelli, World Bank Country Manager for Kosovo said: “Water is at the centre of economic and social development; it is vital to maintain health, grow food, generate energy, create jobs and manage the environment including the impacts of floods or droughts.

“Currently, central Kosovo, the area with the highest population density in the country that holds Kosovo’s largest development potential, is challenged by limited water resources. The World Bank is pleased to support Kosovo in making its water supply cleaner and more reliable”.

Kosovo’s capital city has also received a green upgrade in the form of new public transport.