Foreword

2019 was a successful year for Aquafin in which all of our waste water treatment plants met all applicable discharge standards. 2020 promises to be just as exceptional. The new Flemish Government has given us a very important additional role in the water industry. Aquafin will be in charge of coordinating the asset management of the waste and stormwater networks across the whole of Flanders. We are focussing fully on achieving efficiency gains, for example by aligning investments as closely as possible at local and supralocal level, in close consultation with all stakeholders. We are also ensuring that the entire sewer infrastructure is kept in good condition, so as to avoid unexpected and superfluous expenditure. This leaves more room for other investments to reduce the pollution load on our watercourses.

As chairman, I am naturally proud that the company has earned the trust of the Flemish Government in this way. Although it will take time to implement the entire action plan, I am convinced that we will soon make great progress, together with the other actors. Time is therefore running short, if we are to achieve the objectives of the Water Framework Directive. This will mean putting the available knowledge, expertise and resources to optimum use for the greatest possible impact on the environment.

This knowledge and expertise is available in abundance at Aquafin and we continually invest in developing this, through innovation, for example. Our shareholder’s decision to invest part of the profits in innovation projects as from 2019 has created a new dynamic and already led to concrete results, which will be rolled out further in 2020. They will all contribute in their own way to Aquafin’s mission and sustainable business operations.

As will the projects delivered to the Flemish Region in 2019, totalling 166 million euros, including 29 million euros for asset management projects. We not only comfortably met our target, but also managed to spread the deliveries as requested by the customer.

As far as new projects are concerned, last year Aquafin put 129 million euros’ worth of contracts for infrastructure works for the Flemish Region and 73 million euros’ worth of projects for towns, cities and municipalities out to tender. In addition, there were 31 million euros’ worth of contracts relating to asset management. As a result, we not only created employment for more than 1,100 of our own staff, but also continuous, indirect employment in the Flemish construction industry for an estimated 2,600 full-time equivalents. Construction site safety always comes first, for our employees, our contractors and the public. It is an integral part of our vision on sustainable entrepreneurship.

Alain Bernard Chairman