DLDP presents its case on waste sector before the Inter-Ministerial Committee

DLDP presents its case on waste sector before the Inter-Ministerial Committee 

DLDP participated in the first meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on waste for year 2015. DLDP had the chance there to present its approach for the program on waste sector and especially on the establishment of a benchmark system and the need of a regulatory body for waste and additional functions it should have for this sector. On behalf of the DLDP, Arben Kopliku presented the possibilities that DLDP experiences offer for the waste sector. “The application of DLDP model for costs and tariffs calculation is an important step in establishing standards for the service. The model provides for comparison and monitoring in national level and allows the decrease of corruption risk level in the sector” – Mr. Kopliku said in his presentation. Also, the main service indicators which will comprise the basis for the establishment of a benchmark system were presented to the members of the Committee. The presentation of DLDP proposals for regulatory competencies that WRA should have in the waste sector, not only in training, but also in the collection and transportation of solid waste as well as the competency in establishing the methodology of costs and tariffs calculation were of much interest for Committee members and other attendees.

The Committee on Integrated Waste Management, by its members accredited in the ministries, assures that each ministry has a joint and unified policy for waste management and environmental protection. The Committee on Integrated Waste Management coordinates the tasks of ministries for the integrated environmental management of waste in the Republic of Albania. This Committee conducted its first session for year 2015 presided by Mrs. Olijana Ifti, Vice-Minister of Environment. This meeting was attended by vice-ministers of line ministries, donors and programs operating in the field of waste management, as well as representatives of civil society.

Vice-Minister Ifti stressed that the main directions where the Ministry of Environment has concentrated its work to improve the situation of solid waste management are: establishing a harmonious legislation among specific sectors, clarification of the duties of central and local level, strengthening the public-private partnership and implementation of waste collection and separation at source schemes. Public education and the application of the principle “the polluter pays”, are another direction to work for the implementation of environmental standards on waste management. – said Mrs. Ifti. She highlighted the impossibility to meet – with current financing – the objectives set in the National Strategy.

Mr. Mihallaq Qirjo presented before Committee members the recommendations and proposals of the Nov 18th meeting of the advisory group on waste. Mrs. Alba Dakoli – Wilson presented the results of an identification mission for the needs on waste management field, supported by the Swiss Government through SECO.  Mr. Redi Baduni presented the concept of the Ministry of Environment for establishing the Environmental Fund. In the end of the meeting the Committee prepared the working plan and awareness activities for year 2015. Among the main activities foreseen for 2015, are also the DLDP initiative to give WRA the function of approving the methodology on costs and tariffs application, recycling championship and application of the methodology for establishing service standards.