AAK: Kurti government failed to solve the water supply problem in Anamorawa, we have a program for this

The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo has accused the Government of failing to realise investments in critical infrastructure for continuing to build overpasses at the Pripenica dam in Gjilan, which according to this party would have been the long-term solution to water supply in the Anamorawa region.

The AAK said in a Facebook response that “is not known how this government will react if, over the coming years, Gjilan faces prolonged droughts due to lack of rainfall, as warned in recent reports by field institutions and experts”.

Ramush Haradinaj's party says there is a solution to water supply for a 100-year period.

AAK's Facebook mailing:

Long-term solution to water supply in the Anamorawa region

It was the Haradinaj government, during whose mandate funds were allocated for investments in the critical infrastructure for continuing to build a handover in the Perlepnica dam. Until then, despite continued demands to governments, this investment had not been realised, even though the project was of great importance to dam safety and the lives of citizens. Not investing in the project directly threatened the lives of residents, especially of the village of Perlepnica, which is located only 700m from the dam.

For citizens of Gjilan, one of the biggest disappointments has been Kurti's current governance and lack of realisation of promises for infrastructure improvement. This government will be remembered for failing to implement key projects, the construction of the Gjilan highway, the city stadium and many other infrastructure projects.

The negative impression deepens when taken into account that this government, led by the Vetevendosje Movement, had the support of over 50% of citizens and that the same party was at the helm of local governance in Gjilan.

Perhaps the lack of water investments could be deemed the government's biggest punishment, as in all official reports, Gjilani is represented as the region with the largest water shortages throughout the Republic of Kosovo. Disinteresting in solving this vital problem for the citizens of Anamorawa by Kurti government is, in addition to frustration, and ignoring the citizens of Anamorawa, who, by their votes, were crucial for this percentage of votes.

It is not known how this government will react if, over the coming years, Gjilan faces prolonged droughts due to a lack of rainfall, as warned in recent reports by field institutions and experts.

How would the situation be managed if the water supply became almost unmanageable, given that shipping of water from one region to another is not possible to meet citizens' demands? According to predictions and reports, the situation could deteriorate if drought cycles are repeated over the next year, as these periods are often difficult to manage. This region, known for its chronic water supply problems, may face a severe crisis, causing water supply to residents and local businesses to become almost impossible. This may get even worse during the summer months, when demand for water increases dramatically as existing resources become increasingly inadequate.

Taking into account the current situation and the need for increased water supply capacities for Anamorawa, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, through the Department of Water and Environmental Policy, has drafted a programme that offers solutions to water supply for a 100-year period. This program includes three main options:

1. The construction of dams along the river Llapushnica, near the village of Priggarja of Gjilan. This project has a local character and envisions the only supply of the city of Gjilan and surrounding villages. The volume of accumulate can reach up to 6 million cubic metres of water, sufficient for the needs of residents for the next 100 years.

2. Construction of the dam in Sush, Year. This project has regional characterisation, including water supply of the Gjilan and Viti municipalities, together with the respective villages. The pipeline could have a capacity of over 20 million meters of water, providing supply for over 100 years to come.

3. Lepenc's project has national character and aims at the water supply of several municipalities, such as Shtrpce, Ferizaj, Vitita, Gjilan, Enhance and other settlements. While a feasibility study has been conducted, it is still not clear how this project will be implemented.

The alliance has also envisioned preparing a feasibility study to determine the most appropriate option that would meet the needs of residents of the Anamorawa region. This study is necessary to provide a scientific and data-based approach to solving the water supply problem, which continues to be one of the region's biggest challenges.

Following the change of power on February 9th, it is expected to begin with concrete steps for implementation of this project, considered vital for residents of this area. The new government's priority will be to provide funds needed for the implementation of the first stages of this project.

After that date, it is expected to put an end to the fraud and unfulfilled promises, creating a new standard of responsible governance. Kosovo should have a government not only promises but also acts in the interest of citizens, giving priority to solving problems that directly affect their daily lives.

AAK, Department of Water and Environmental Policy