The Slovenian-Croatian group led by Iskra, which includes the Slovenian company Hidroinženiring, the Dubrovnik-based firm Alfaplan, and Split-based Elmap, has been selected to execute one of the most important parts of the project “Development of Dubrovnik’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure.” The group will construct the Lapad wastewater treatment plant, including a submarine discharge system.
The project involves the construction of a secondary wastewater treatment facility, consisting of three technological units: mechanical treatment, biological treatment, and sludge processing. The contractors will build a new facility equipped with advanced systems such as coarse and fine screens, an aerated grit chamber, a grease trap, and a membrane bioreactor. Additionally, a sludge processing facility, a 350-meter hydraulic tunnel, and an 835-meter submarine discharge pipe will be constructed.
“This is a crucial step for Dubrovnik, a city that has long needed a comprehensive water and wastewater infrastructure to significantly improve environmental protection and enable efficient wastewater management,”
said Lukša Matušić, director of Vodovod Dubrovnik. “I congratulate the Slovenian companies selected for this project, and we look forward to successful collaboration.”
“We are pleased that the synergy between Iskra, Hidroinženiring, and our Croatian partners—Alfaplan from Dubrovnik and Elmap from Split, in which we acquired a majority stake earlier this year—has been recognized through this tender,” said Dušan Šešok, owner of Iskra.
The contractor selection process was long and thorough, but we met all the high standards required for building the treatment plant and sludge processing facility. Partnership with Vodovod Dubrovnik is crucial, and we are delighted that the new treatment plant will soon become an integral part of life for Dubrovnik residents and their visitors. Iskra has big ambitions in the field of wastewater and drinking water treatment, and this strategic project in Dubrovnik is an important showcase of our commitment to timely and technically excellent project execution.
In February this year, Iskra, a provider of electrical and system solutions based in Ljubljana, acquired a majority stake in the Split-based company Elmap. Elmap is one of the leading companies in the region, specializing in the automation of wastewater and drinking water treatment plants, water supply systems, power systems, and infrastructure in various industries, from metallurgy and shipbuilding to pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, renewable energy, and the oil industry.
The Dubrovnik wastewater treatment plant is designed to meet the long-term needs of the population and economy. Its planned capacity is 73,000 population equivalent (PE), considering future development and tourism growth through 2050. Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković emphasized that “today is a historic day for the realization of the Dubrovnik Agglomeration project.”
The project also involves the construction, reconstruction, and renovation of 40,256 meters of pipeline, which will improve access to quality water for 78,716 users. The expansion of the wastewater disposal system will cover 30,798 meters, connecting 4,409 new users to the new system, increasing Dubrovnik’s wastewater coverage to 92%. The initiative also includes the construction of the UPPV Ombla drinking water treatment plant and the UPOV Lapad wastewater treatment plant.