The Action against Illegality in the Water Supply Network Is Launched Across Albania

The Action against Illegality in the Water Supply Network Is Launched Across Albania

Last year, based on the decision of the Council of Ministers of Albania nr. 302, dated 11.05.2022, began the process of reorganization of water supply and sewerage companies with the main objectives of improving the quality of services, improving infrastructure, improved management of water demand and financial sustainability of water supply and sewerage companies.  The decision no. 302 foresaw the aggregation of the 58 water utility companies into 15 regional water supply and sewerage companies.

In framework of this reform, in June 2023, the National Agency of Water Supply, Sewerage and Waste Infrastructure (AKUM) and the Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Companies launched an action against illegality in the water supply network, where the main issues found are:

• Irregular contracts and illegal connections
• Lack of regular and approved water meters
• Irregular invoicing of customers
• Uncollected arrears
• Data control of billing systems

The action targets Private Customers (main focus), Government Institutions and Family Customers. The main objectives of this action are: the intervention and awareness of the targeted group; identification of employees of water utility companies that are debtors; and improvement of employees’ processes and performance. The last objective aims to simultaneously improve the responsibility and performance of employees in every aspect of their work.

A total of 60 field working groups have been set up throughout the country, which are cooperating closely with the State Police. The focus areas of this action are urban and tourist areas.

The specific objectives of this action are:

• Conclusion of regular contracts and the fight against illegal connections;
• Water meters within technical conditions;
• Debts Collection or conclusion of agreements for payments in installments
• Accurate categorization of customers and improvement of data in billing systems;
• Assessment of the water meters condition and their replacement in case of damage;
• Good and transparent relations with consumers;
• Setting up a green line and web space for complaints/denunciations from the community;
• Taking measures against employees who do not perform their duties responsibly

So far, have been carried out 7,889 checks; 81 denunciations about illegal connections; 618 service interruptions for debtor customers; 90 agreements for payment in installments of obligations were concluded and 837 water meters out of technical conditions were found.

All actions carried out by working groups throughout Albania are reported to the AKUM.

Performance contract:

In order to ensure a good management and monitoring of the sector, AKUM in cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (MIE), have drawn up performance contracts for Water Supply and Sewerage Companies. Performance contracts define the main indicators and objectives to be achieved by the companies in the implementation of services. So far, performance contracts have been signed with the administrators of 12 regional operating companies.