Main goal of the project is the introduction of asset management methods in the pilot municipalities in order to improve efficiency and transparency in managing water and sanitation infrastructures in South-East Europe (SEE). Namely, the introduction of the aThe development and use of common aaaasset management methods and the regional exchange of practices should improve the managing capacities of public utilities and the efficiency of investments in public utilities across the region.
Efficient management of water utilities is one of the bigger problems at the local level in South East Europe. It is reflected by significant water losses, inadequate financial management and lack of funds for maintenance and investment. This situation is inherited and is related to lack of information and data for educated decision making and tariff policies. In this respect, one of the most important issues for municipalities and public utilities in the water and sanitation sector is the asset management. The assets that make up a water or wastewater system generally lose value over time as the system ages and deteriorate. Along with this deterioration service delivery and its level also drop. In that situation, costs of operation and maintenance increase as the assets age and the utility face excessive costs that it can no longer afford so proper management of the assets can prevent this kind of scenario.
The project goal is improvement of municipal services in SEE and also to the fulfilment of several criteria set by EU Water Framework Directive. It will directly affect PUCs and local authorities by reducing development costs and mitigation of risks.
Donators: German Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ) and the Government of Switzerland, implemented by GIZ (ORF MMS) and Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS)