April 26, 2002 -- RWE Aqua GmbH, part of Thames Water Plc, London, has entered the Polish water market through its acquisition of 34 percent of the municipal water provider PWiK in Dabrowa Gornicza (Silesia).
With the town's cooperation RWE Aqua will run the business, which is responsible for the water supply and sewage treatment for 135,000 residents. The contracts runs for 25 years.
RWE has taken this step as part of its strategy to develop its core business (water) internationally and move specific projects into the growth markets. The partnership between RWE Aqua and the city of Dabrowa Gornicza is the first project for RWE Aqua, but also only the third privatisation project in the Polish water management.
Werner Bottcher, chairman of the supervisory board of RWE Aqua, referred to the whole package, which embraces a wide-ranging involvement of his business in the region around Dabrowa Gornicza.
"We are offering our total service spectrum for setting new standards here. Consequently, we are also planning to set up a regional centre of excellence for the management of water and sewerage. We would also like to become a valued partner for the neighbouring communities on all issues concerning water management."
