A Conversation with Celestina Dajlani: Engineer at Gjirokaster Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company

In this edition of Burimi, we are delighted to present our interview with Celestina Dajlani, an Engineer at the Gjirokaster Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company (Gjirokaster RWSS Company).

Greetings, Celestina. Could you share a bit about yourself with our readers?

Hello, everyone. I’m Celestina Dajlani, born and raised in the enchanting city of Gjirokaster. I’m the eldest child of two hardworking parents who made sacrifices for our family. I pursued my education in Hydrotechnical Engineering, earning a Master of Science degree from the Polytechnic University of Tirana in 2013. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share my experience in the water sector with SHUKALB community.

How did your journey at Gjirokaster RWSS Company begin?

My path at Gjirokaster water supply and sewerage company is closely related to SHUKALB. As a Hydrotechnics student in 2012, I participated in a student internship program, which was conducted locally for outstanding students. Though brief, this experience was immensely valuable, providing insights into the joys and challenges of working in the water supply and sanitation sector.

What were the challenges you faced as a young female engineer starting out?

Hydrotechnical engineering offers a diverse range of opportunities, from operations to design and implementation of water-related projects. Landing a job in the water supply and sanitation sector was a turning point in my life, and I found supportive colleagues at the Gjirokaster water utility. While initially rare, the presence of female engineers has grown, enriching the sector. Despite challenges, our collaborative efforts have transformed Gjirokaster’s water infrastructure significantly.

Securing a position in the water supply and sanitation sector was a stroke of luck that transformed my life’s trajectory entirely. Joining the Gjirokaster water utility, I encountered supportive colleagues who eased the challenges of starting as a young engineer in a predominantly male dominated field. When I began my journey, female representation in the sector was scarce, with men dominating the workforce. While I’m proud of the increasing number of female engineers today, it’s essential to acknowledge that their presence also benefits men, offering opportunities previously unavailable to them.

Reflecting on Gjirokaster’s water situation during my early days at the office, the contrast with today’s reality is striking. I vividly recall being informed that only 40 water meters were installed, leaving no room for performance evaluation or measurement. Our infrastructure was outdated, with non-revenue water reaching 80%, and the city receiving water supply for merely 3-4 hours per day. However, through collaborative efforts under programs like the Municipal Infrastructure I&II, III&IV, in partnership with the Albanian government and the German development bank KfW, Gjirokaster now enjoys uninterrupted water supply round the clock.

What aspects of your profession do you find most rewarding, and what motivates you in your work?

Finding a profession that resonates with your passions is crucial, considering the significant portion of our lives dedicated to work. While work serves as a means to earn a living, for me, it transcends mere monetary gain. The profession I’ve embraced and the tasks I undertake bring me a sense of fulfillment and continuous challenge. Having dedicated nearly a decade to contributing to the water utility, I take pride in our collective achievements thus far. Despite the hurdles we encounter, I hold myself to high standards, constantly pushing to overcome the challenges we face.

What are the current challenges you face?

Following the enactment of Decision No. 302 by the Council of Ministers on May 11, 2022, which outlines “National Policies for the reorganization of the water supply sector and the Disposal, Treatment and Processing of Wastewater”, significant changes have occurred. Specifically, water utility companies have been aggregated from 58 local water utility companies to 15 regional water supply and sewerage companies, with the Gjirokastra RWSS Company encompassing seven units within its structure. Naturally, such restructuring presents numerous challenges in our pursuit of delivering quality service to customers promptly.

We are diligently striving to meet our objectives while simultaneously focusing on enhancing the water supply networks across our service area. This concerted effort underscores our commitment to providing improved services to our valued customers in the most efficient manner possible.

Describe for us a day at your work?

First, I want to emphasize that every morning, I wake up with a sense of purpose and excitement about going to the office. The work I do brings me immense pleasure and fulfillment. My morning routine typically involves a brief review of the previous day’s accomplishments and a quick meeting with my colleagues to discuss any challenges or issues we may encounter throughout the day. Following this, I prioritize my tasks and set clear objectives for the day ahead.

However, it’s important to note that not every day begins in the office. Working in a regional water utility company entails a dynamic environment where no two days are alike. Sometimes, our work requires us to start early or stay late due to the dynamic nature of fieldwork and the challenges we may face. In summary, the variety and unpredictability of each day keep us engaged and motivated, making the work incredibly rewarding.

Last year you were selected as one of the few engineers from Albania to attend the 14th Summer academy of the Bavarian Environmental Administration. Could you tell us a little about your experience there?

Reflecting on my experience at the 14^th Summer Academy of the Bavarian Environmental Administration fills me with gratitude and a sense of purpose. Whether it was coincidence or luck that led to my selection among numerous applicants, I’m incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this transformative event in Hof, Germany.

Meeting bright and enthusiastic young water professionals from Kosovo, Macedonia, Ukraine, and beyond was a highlight of the academy. Together, we exchanged experiences and had the privilege to visit various works and factories, exposing us to practices not yet realized in Albania. This exposure left a profound impact on me, reshaping my perspective on the realities we face as young professionals.

Bavaria provided a unique setting that underscored the importance of change in driving progress. While Germany boasts an uninterrupted water supply, it’s disheartening to acknowledge that consumers in the Gjirokaster region still experience interruptions. This serves as a reminder for me, of the critical role young professionals can play in shaping the future of the water sector.

What message do you have for young people who are considering a career in the water sector?

To aspiring young individuals considering a career in the water sector, I offer this message: “Rethink your future.” Albania is blessed with abundant water resources and a wealth of hydrotechnical infrastructure. Your contributions are essential in addressing the challenges we face and unlocking the potential of our water resources.

Warm regards,

Celestina Dajlani