SHUKALB Launches Inter-Institutional Initiative on Wastewater Management

SHUKALB has recently undertaken a significant step forward in addressing wastewater management challenges in Albania by forming an inter-institutional working group dedicated to this critical sector. Supported by the Regional Capacity Development Network (RCDN+) Project, this initiative is designed to foster collaboration and advocacy among key stakeholders in the water supply and sanitation sector.

The working group has a threefold purpose: promoting effective wastewater management, fostering cooperation among stakeholders to tackle critical issues, and developing a comprehensive position paper that outlines challenges, opportunities, and actionable recommendations for advancing the sector.

The first meeting of the working group took place on December 19, 2024, in Tirana. Representatives from key institutions, including the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, the Ministry of Tourism, the Institute of Public Health, the National Environment Agency, and regional water supply and sewerage companies of Berat, Lezhe, and Pogradec, came together to establish the group’s structure and goals.

The consultant engaged by SHUKALB, Monika Vejseli, started the meeting with a presentation on an overview of the current state of wastewater management in Albania, highlighting the sector’s challenges and opportunities. This was followed by an open discussion among the participants on the most pressing challenges of the wastewater sector in Albania. The identified challenges by the working group participants will be prioritized by them and will become specific topics of discussion for the next meeting. As part of the agenda the Working Group reviewed the general Terms of Reference which are to be adopted at the next meeting. In addition a roadmap for future work was outlined, including the drafting of an annual work plan of the Working Group.

This initiative underscores SHUKALB’s commitment to advancing wastewater management practices in Albania through collaboration and innovation. The inter-institutional working group will serve as a platform for addressing sector challenges, supporting policy improvements, and driving sustainable solutions.