AAK proposes joint professional board for all Regional Water Enterprises

Through a media communique, The AAK has said that this step represents a new and more integrated approach to addressing the current challenges in water resources management.

This step represents a new and more integrated approach to addressing the current challenges in water resources management, providing a more effective and sustainable alternative compared to the current model of seven independent bodies”, said the communique.

Full communication:

A Joint Professional Bord: Solution to CRU Management Challenges in Kosovo

In an effort to improve the quality and sustainability of Kosovo's water sector, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo through the Department of Water and Environmental Policy has proposed establishing a Joint Professional Board for all Regional Water Enterprises (KRU).

This step represents a new and more integrated approach to addressing the current challenges in water resources management, providing a more efficient and sustainable alternative compared to the current model of seven independent boards.

The need and reasonableness of establishing the joint board currently, each of the seven CRUs in Kosovo operates on an independent board, often composed of individuals with limited experience in the water sector and strategic management.

This approach has resulted in:

• Failure to achieve the main goals of performance: The Persistent Problems They Have Associated The CRUs have influenced the failure to achieve sustainable results and to meet the expectations of citizens and supervisory institutions.

• Policy and strategy fragmentation: The lack of a unified approach has led to isolated, often inefficient and high-cost solutions to address common challenges affecting all regions.

• Ineffective and fragmented decisions: Strategys and investments are often duplicated or inadequate co-ordination, resulting in an uneven distribution of resources and lowering the quality of services to citizens.

• High administrative costs: The functioning of seven independent boards creates seven separate administrative structures, which significantly increases operational spending and reduces efficiency in resource management. In the face of these challenges, the establishment of a joint professional board offers a well-organised and based solution.

This model will not only help overcome current fragmentation and weaknesses, but also ensure a more efficient and fair use of financial and human resources, ensuring tangible improvements in the water sector.

The Beneft of a Common Professional Board

1. Reducing Economic Costs

Compared to the current model with seven independent boards, the creation of a joint structure will significantly reduce administrative spending. This initiative will simplify processes and save funds that can be directed to improve services and implement infrastructure projects.

2. Improving co-ordination and harmonisation of policies

A joint board will enable the unification of strategies and standardisation of the best practices in the water sector. This will bring centralised and quick decision-making on issues affecting all the CRUs, such as water supply, waste water treatment and infrastructure investments.

3. High Efficiency in Resource Management

A joint board will draft and implement a unified plan for strategic investment, ensuring that priority projects, such as building new water acumen and modernising water treatment plants, receive the necessary financial and logistical support.

4. Increase in Professional Capacity

With a unified structure, all CRUs will benefit from standardised training and professional development programmes. This will ensure that technical and managerial staff have the skills needed to meet sector challenges, promoting modern technology and practices.

5. Transparency and Greater Accountability

A joint board will create a centralised mechanism for monitoring the KRU performance, strengthening supervision by the Regulatory Authority of Water and Channels (ARRU) and other relevant institutions.

This will ensure the most efficient use of financial resources and accurate and accessable reporting. The necessary steps for implementing this reform are necessary to amend current laws on public enterprises and the water sector.

The new legislation must be:

• Provides professional and impartial compositions for the joint board, with field experts.

• Match autonomy and independence from political influences to maintain the integrity of decision making.

• Promotive integrated and long-term access to water sector development.

Establishing a joint professional board is a must to address water sector challenges in Kosovo.

This approach will improve the quality of services to citizens, promote economic development and provide better water resources management for all regions of the country. Department of Water and Environmental Policy