Albania to create National Water Operator amid reform push

The government has decided to establish a new national operator to manage water resources and supply, adding to the National Waste Management operator announced in late August.

Why is this important: Despite being the second-richest country in Europe for water resources after Norway, Albania has long struggled with mismanagement, leaving consumers facing shortages of drinking water. Until now, supply and distribution have been handled by public companies under municipal control. As part of a reform launched two years ago, the government has opted to centralize management under a national authority.

Context: Presenting the initiative, Prime Minister Edi Rama admitted that local government had failed to administer the sector despite major investments. The reform will include measures to stop abuses, with penalties for theft like those applied in the energy sector in previous years.

“Anyone who steals must be penalized with prison, as happened with those who stole electricity. Just as we created the energy task force, we will create one for water,” the Prime Minister said.

Water utilities have accumulated heavy debts, burdening the state budget. In 2020, their arrears reached 13.6 billion ALL. Rama cited Vlora as the worst case, saying water supply during peak tourist season was only restored after central government intervention.

What else: The reform also aims to eliminate rooftop water tanks from apartment buildings by improving centralized supply. Officials stressed that the change will not be accompanied by an increase in water tariffs.

Next steps: The new National Water Operator will take over management and supply responsibilities across Albania. The government hopes the reform will ensure reliable drinking water for citizens while reducing financial losses and inefficiencies.