Western Balkan wastewater operators to take part in peer exchange with Swiss utilities

The programme is supported by the Swiss Development Cooperation through SECO, as well as theThe Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and brings together WWTP operators from the Western Balkans with experienced Swiss counterparts for a practical, peer-to-peer exchange and on-the-job training. Unlike a conventional study visit, the twinning programme is designed around direct learning in everyday working conditions. Each participating operator will be matched with a Swiss host utility and will spend three days closely following the daily work of their Swiss mentor at a wastewater treatment plant with similar size, processes or operational context.

The exchange builds on the Communities of Practice for wastewater treatment plant operators established under RCDN+ in the Western Balkans, where operators have already been exchanging experiences, challenges and solutions in wastewater management. Through this programme, the most active members of these communities will have the opportunity to deepen their practical knowledge, build long-term professional relationships and and bring back innovative ideas and practical approaches that can be adapted to their own utilities and contribute to the optimisation of treatment plant operations.

During the week, participants will be hosted at different wastewater treatment plants across Switzerland, take part in a joint on-site visit to a state-of-the-art WWTP, and join reflection sessions with Swiss hosts, VSA and GIZ representatives. In parallel, Members of Associations of Public Utility Companies from the Western Balkans will also participate in parts of the programme, including a visit to VSA, to exchange on how professional associations can support Communities of Practice, training systems, advocacy and knowledge sharing. 

The expectations from participating WWTP operators are clear and practical. They are looking to learn from Swiss experience in improving daily operations, applying best practices, strengthening energy efficiency, enhancing sludge management and resource recovery,  exploring advanced technologies, 4th stage of treatment - elimination of micropollutants and potentials for digitalisation and innovation. Many participants also see the programme as an opportunity to build lasting professional cooperation with Swiss colleagues and to transfer knowledge back to their own teams. 

For the participating associations, the exchange is also an opportunity to strengthen their role in capacity development, advocacy and professional networking. Their expectations include learning from VSA’s approach to training design, member engagement, sustainable funding models, cooperation with the private sector and academia, and the transfer of knowledge and innovation to local contexts. 

The twinning programme is part of RCDN+’s broader work to strengthen capacities in the water and sanitation sector in the Western Balkans. Its aim is not only to expose participants to Swiss expertise, but to create professional links that continue after the visit. Following the exchange, operators are expected to remain in contact with their Swiss peers, develop individual action plans and share the lessons learned within their utilities and Communities of Practice. 

By connecting operators who face similar technical and organisational challenges, the programme supports a very practical form of regional and international cooperation: learning directly from those who manage wastewater treatment plants every day.