2015年-世界发展银行全球_Water_and_Wastewater_Services_in_the_Danube_Region___FYR_Macedonia_Country_Note_16页_2mb

Summary of FYR Macedonia Water and Wastewater Sector

Core Content

The document provides an in-depth analysis of the water and wastewater sector in FYR Macedonia, highlighting the challenges, performance, and reforms within the Danube Water Program context. It serves as a country note under the State of the Sector review, emphasizing the need for improved efficiency, sustainable investment, and regulatory reforms to meet EU standards.

Main Challenges

• Investment Budget Constraints: Current tariffs barely cover operating costs, and the capacity of utilities to carry out necessary investments is under threat. The investment required to meet EU acquis standards is estimated at €20/capita/year.
• Low Efficiency: The sector faces significant inefficiencies, particularly with high nonrevenue water levels at 63% (2013), which is much higher than the Danube average of 35%.
• Weak Regulatory Framework: While there is a water services law in place, it is not fully implemented. There is no national regulatory agency, and utility performance indicators are not publicly available.
• High Staff Turnover and Overemployment: Due to political appointments, there is a high turnover rate among management staff. Overemployment is common, and staff qualifications are questionable.
• Inadequate Wastewater Treatment: Only 13% of the population is connected to wastewater treatment plants, and wastewater treatment quality is not consistently measured.

Key Sector Performance Metrics

Service Coverage

Sector Organization

• Service Providers: There are 68 formal water service providers, with the Skopje Water Company being the dominant one, serving about 25% of the population.
• Service Scope: Most providers offer water, sanitation, and communal waste services.
• Ownership: Services are typically managed by local governments.
• Regulatory Framework: There is no national regulatory agency, but efforts are underway to establish one.
• National Utility Association: ADKOM (Association of Public Utility Service Providers) plays a key role in sector coordination and capacity-building.

Economic and Social Context

• Population: 2.107 million (2013), with 57% living in urban areas.
• Economic Status: FYR Macedonia is an upper-middle-income economy with a GDP per capita of $11,802 (PPP).
• Poverty: The poverty headcount ratio is 9% (2008), with significant rural-urban disparities.
• Roma Population: Estimated at 135,490 (6.8% of the population), with many lacking access to improved water and sanitation.

Ongoing Reforms

• National Water Tariff Study: Funded by the EU, aiming to implement the "polluter pays" principle and ensure financial and environmental sustainability.
• Establishment of a National Regulator: ADKOM is leading this initiative, which is crucial for improving tariff systems and regulatory oversight.

Further Resources

• Regional Report: Available at SoS.danubis.org.
• Utility Database: Accessible at www.danubis.org/eng/utility-database.
• Country-Specific Documents:
  • ADKOM. 2014. Utilities Sector Analysis in the Republic of Macedonia.
  • Bakllamaja, A., and G. Hristov. 2012. Assessment of Investment Needs and Institutional Policy Measures Water and Waste Water Sector: Republic of Macedonia.
  • Eptisa-Geing. 2014. Development of National Water Tariff Study.
  • MoEPP. 2011. Water Strategy for the Republic of Macedonia.
  • Ristovski, B. 2014. Report on Completed Benchmarking Project in 28 Utilities in the Republic of Macedonia – Municipal Services Investment Project (MSIP).
  • World Bank. 2008. Republic of Macedonia: Strategy and Action Plan for Reform of Communal Services Enterprises with Focus on Water, Sewerage and Solid Waste Management.

Equity and Affordability

• Water Cost as a Percentage of Income:
  • Average: 1.7%
  • Lowest-income quintile: 6%
  • Second-lowest quintile: 3%
  • Highest-income quintile: <1%
• Roma Access: Approximately one-third of the poorest households in Roma settlements lack access to improved water and sanitation.

Service Infrastructure

• Water and Wastewater Networks:
  • Total network length: 3,456 km (water) and 1,804 km (wastewater).
  • Average connections per km: 196 (water) and 179 (wastewater).
• Wastewater Treatment Plants: 9 plants covering 13% of the population.
• Expected Deadline for Wastewater Treatment: 2026 for less sensitive areas, but not yet defined for sensitive areas.

Service Quality

• Drinking Water Quality: 95% of samples are in full compliance (2009).
• Wastewater Treatment Quality: Not consistently measured, with BOD5 compliance at 79%.
• Sewer Blockages: 5.5 per km/year (2013), higher than the Danube average of 5.0.
• Customer Satisfaction: 66% of the population is satisfied with water services (2013), slightly lower than the Danube average of 63%.

Conclusion

FYR Macedonia's water and wastewater sector faces significant challenges in terms of investment, efficiency, and regulation. While service coverage is relatively high, especially in urban areas, the quality and sustainability of services remain a concern. The establishment of a national regulatory body and the implementation of a more effective tariff system are critical for long-term improvement. Additionally, addressing the issue of nonrevenue water and ensuring equitable access for all, including the Roma community, are essential steps toward achieving sustainable and efficient water services.