"This will be possible if the metropolitan area is created. Furthermore, we are interested in participating in all bids in Romania for the concession of utilities, especially in major cities such as Constanta, Timisoara, Arad, and Craiova," added the Veolia Water official.
Poirier added that the concession contract signed with Apa Nova must be renegotiated after seven years, in order to adapt to Bucharest's expansion. "However, this renegotiation is viewed by the authorities with suspicion. I believe that a public de- bate should take place to allow Bucharest's inhabitants to decide whe- ther there should be a contract renegotiation or not. Romania must change its mentality," added the Veolia Water official. Poirier also indicated that Bucharest is one of the few European capitals with some 99% water metering.
In the past six years, Apa Nova has invested some €160 million in the system, including a water treatment station at Crivina, in Bucharest. This year's investment in the expansion and rehabilitation of networks will reach some €27 million.
Veolia Water is present in over 55 countries and provides water services to some 108 million people. With approximately 77,000 employees, the company's revenues last year amounted to €10.8 million. Furthermore, its worldwide turnover reached some €10 billion, and Veolia Water representatives forecast an 8-10 percent increase this year.
