The Ex-post Evaluation of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure focuses on interventions financed under the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme (POIM) 2014-2020, which have supported investments in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across Romania.

The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the contribution of POIM investments to increasing population access and connection to public water and wastewater services, while supporting compliance with European environmental and sectorial legislation. The evaluation also seeks to generate evidence-based lessons that can support the implementation of Romania’s Partnership Agreement 2021-2027 and future programming periods.

The evaluation examines the performance of the interventions based on the European evaluation criteria of Effectiveness, Efficiency, Relevance, Coherence and EU Added Value, in particular, focusing on assessing:

• The extent to which investments in water and wastewater infrastructure have contributed to increasing population connection to public networks;

• The evolution of the water and wastewater sector since the adoption of the programme, including changes in access, connection and the regulatory framework;

• The affordability principle and its implications for access and connection to services.

• The technical and operational capacity of water operators to maintain the infrastructure created;

• The cost-benefit generated by the investments.

The evaluation applies a theory-based impact evaluation approach, following a structured Theory of Change verification process, including the plausibility test, development of the ToC, comparison between expected and observed results, confirmation of the theory and examination of alternative explanations.

A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods is used to support the evaluation, combing documentary review, analysis of monitoring and statistical data, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, focus groups and expert consultations. Particular emphasis is placed on developing Cost-Benefit Analyses for finalised investment projects.

The end result is a better understanding of the factors influencing population connection to water and wastewater infrastructure, including institutional, economic and behavioural aspects and the quantification of the net impact of POIM interventions in Romania.

The service is coordinated by t33 Senior Policy Analyst and Adviser Andrea Gramillano.