Consortium led by Iskra to build Dubrovnik's wastewater treatment system

24. 10. 2024

The Slovenian-Croatian consortium led by Iskra, which includes the Slovenian company Hidroinženiring, Dubrovnik-based firm Alfaplan, and Split’s Elmap, has been selected as the contractor for a key segment of the "Development of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Dubrovnik" project.

The consortium will construct the Lapad wastewater treatment facility, including an underwater discharge system.

The project involves building a secondary treatment wastewater facility with three main technological units: mechanical treatment, biological treatment, and sludge processing. The contractors will construct a new facility equipped with advanced systems, including coarse and fine grates, an aerated grit chamber, grease traps, and a membrane bioreactor. Additionally, a sludge treatment facility, a hydraulic tunnel approximately 350 meters long, and an 835-meter-long underwater discharge system will be installed.

"This is a vital step for Dubrovnik, a city that has long deserved a comprehensive water and wastewater infrastructure to significantly enhance environmental protection and manage wastewater effectively," said Lukša Matušić, Director of Vodovod Dubrovnik. "Congratulations to the Slovenian companies selected for this project. We look forward to successful collaboration."

"We are pleased that the synergy between Iskra, Hidroinženiring, and our Croatian partners—Dubrovnik’s Alfaplan and Split’s Elmap, in which we acquired a majority stake earlier this year—was recognized through this tender," said Mr. Dušan Šešok. "The selection process was lengthy and thorough, but we met all high standards necessary for the construction of the treatment plant and sludge facility. Our partnership with Vodovod Dubrovnik represents a critical step forward, and we are excited that the new treatment plant will soon become an integral part of life for the people of Dubrovnik and their guests. Iskra has major ambitions in the water treatment sector, and this strategic project in Dubrovnik is essential for showcasing our group's commitment to timely and technically advanced project delivery."

In February this year, Iskra, a provider of electrical and systems solutions based in Ljubljana, acquired a majority stake in Elmap from Split. Elmap is one of the leading companies in the region, specializing in automation solutions for wastewater and drinking water treatment plants, water supply systems, electric power, and infrastructure across various industries, from metallurgy and shipbuilding to pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, renewable energy, and the oil industry.

The Dubrovnik wastewater treatment plant is designed to serve the long-term needs of the population and economy. Its planned capacity of 73,000 population equivalents (PE) considers future development and growth in tourism through to 2050. Dubrovnik’s Mayor, Mato Franković, noted that "Today marks a historic milestone in the realization of the Dubrovnik Agglomeration project."

The project includes 40,256 meters of pipeline construction, reconstruction, and repair, enhancing water quality access for 78,716 consumers. The wastewater system expansion will cover 30,798 meters, adding 4,409 new users and increasing Dubrovnik’s wastewater coverage to 92 percent. Additionally, the initiative will feature the construction of the Ombla Drinking Water Treatment Plant and the Lapad Wastewater Treatment Plant.