SHUKALB Successfully Delivers the D-LeaP “Access to Finance” Program – Building Stronger Financial Management Capacities in the Water Supply and Sewerage Sector

From January to April 2025, SHUKALB delivered for the first time the D-LeaP “Access to Finance” Program, an important initiative supported by the Danube Learning Partnership and the RCDN+ project. Through five key workshops, the program aimed to improve the skills and knowledge of participants in financial management and effective administration of water and sanitation services.

Participants included representatives from the Regional Water Supply and Sewerage companies of Shkodra, Gjirokastra, Kukes, Berat, Saranda, Vlora, and Elbasan, as well as representatives from the Water Regulatory Authority (ERRU) and the National Agency for Water Supply and Sewerage (AKUK).

The participants had the opportunity to enhance their financial management skills, necessary to ensure the sustainability of services. As a component of the program, they developed action plans for their utilities, which they presented at the final workshop.

Throughout the sessions, participants were guided by our distinguished trainers Monika Vejseli, Valbona Paja, and Arola Koreshi, who helped them apply best practices in financial management, economic analysis, and strategic investment decision-making.Given the ongoing challenges in the sector—such as cost recovery, tariff-setting, and long-term financial sustainability—the program provided a timely and practical platform for utility managers to deepen their understanding of financial planning and decision-making.

The successful implementation of this program marks a key milestone for SHUKALB’s continued efforts to support capacity building in the sector. With new tools, strategies, and a stronger network of professionals, participants are now well-positioned to drive change and foster a more resilient and sustainable future for water supply and sewerage services in Albania.