The reform is healing some wounds, but not the diseases that have become almost incurable in the water sector. Even last year, more than 61 percent of the water consumed was not collected for any money. Compared to 2023, the “water without revenue” indicator improved slightly.
The reorganization into only 15 out of 58 water supply companies has not brought results in terms of geographical water coverage either. The indicator fell to 72.2 percent of the total territory from 75.3 percent in 2023.
Where the indicator is far from the goal of covering the entire territory of the country with supply.
"This is really an ambitious goal. Can it be achieved? I think that if you work hard, it can be achieved," said Adelina Farrici, Director, Association for Local Autonomy.
The good news in the Water Regulatory Authority's annual report for last year is the decrease in employment in the sector. The number of employees fell to 4.56 for every thousand connections from 4.73 in 2023. According to the Authority, the battle for drinking water, which still remains rare and intermittent for many Albanian families, can be considered almost won next year.
The government plans to increase the supply time to 19 hours, from the current average of 17.3 hours per day.
"I think it's positive. We know that many water utilities have financial problems so they definitely need support," said Farrici.
In coastal areas, which welcomed tourists like never before this year, the average water supply time is expected to reach 21 hours, up from 18 hours per day currently. To reduce the number of people asking "When will the water come?", the Ministry of Finance and Economy has made available 4.5 billion lek or about 44 million euros for next year alone. (A2 Televizion)
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