ASPECTS CONCERNING CONTRIBUTION OF WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION NETWORKS (WSS) INVESTMENTS TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs) IN ROMANIA.

As shown in previous research, in Romania there is a significant gap of development of water supply and sanitation networks (WSS), with significant regional and urban-rural disparities. In the light of the 2030 Agenda and the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), a sustainable development can only be achieved through a holistic approach, in which the links between several SDGs are harnessed. Today, with the start of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic in 2020, public health and personal and family hygiene are the highest priorities, practically reaffirming the crucial importance and synergies of SDGs such as SDG1- No Poverty and SDG6-Clean Water and Sanitation. In this context, the paper analyses some current trends, benefits and contributions of European and Structural Investment (ESI)-funded WSS projects in Romania, through the Large Infrastructure Operational Program. The conclusions present some recommendations and perspectives on the continuation of sustainable development efforts for the water and wastewater infrastructure sector in Romania, especially those increasing access to public WSS services in poorly served rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]