Skopje, 29 December 2025 (MIA) - The Government and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) signed Monday an extension of a partnership agreement on remediation of the small lindane-contaminated landfill located at Skopje's former OHIS chemical plant. The agreement reaffirms the joint commitment of national institutions and international partners to address one of the most complex environmental hotspots in the country.

The extension of the agreement ensures additional EUR 12 million, provided by the Government through its General Secretariat, establishing an implementation period of three years, during which all remaining work on the ground is expected to be completed and the remediation of the small landfill is expected to be fully carried out, the Government said in a press release.

The ongoing project will enable safe disposal and management of hazardous waste, in accordance with international environmental and occupational health and safety standards, significantly reducing public health risks as well as environmental risks.  

"The extension of the agreement reflects the strength of our partnership and our joint commitment to finally resolve this long-standing environmental issue," said Government Secretary General Igor Janushev, adding that integrating national leadership with international expertise creates the conditions for a safe, thorough and sustainable remediation process.

The remediation of the small landfill at the OHIS site began in 2021. So far, 1,969 tons of HCH waste and 586 tons of contaminated soil have been excavated and incinerated, approximately 60 percent of the planned clean-up. Activities to date have been completed with combined funding from the Government, the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway, which represents a significant step in addressing the legacy pollution at this site.

Monday's extension of the partnership agreement is expected to enable full completion of the remediation works at the small landfill. The remediation activities include excavation, packaging, temporary storage, transport and disposal of the HCH waste and contaminated soil, as well as incineration.

Head of the UNOPS South East Europe Multi-Country Office, Michela Telatin, said complex legacy pollution cannot be addressed by one institution alone. 

According to her, this project shows how partnership, trust, and clearly defined roles can bring concrete environmental and health benefits to communities, while ensuring that remediation is carried out safely and responsibly.

The extension of the agreement reaffirms the ongoing commitment of the partners to addressing historical industrial pollution and promoting responsible environmental management in the Republic of North Macedonia. In addition, it builds the necessary requirements to launch remediation works at the larger lindane-contaminated landfill at the site of the former OHIS plant, reads the press release.

Photo: Government