Consultative table on implications of the organic project-law on local public services

DLDP has supported the initiative of the State Minister on Local Affairs to conduct as wide as possible consultations with interest groups in relation with the draft submitted by the government of the new organic law on “Organization and functioning of local government”. In the framework of these consultative meetings, a round table was organized on the 9th of October 2015, with the participation of experts and representatives of DLDP partner municipalities, civil society organizations operating in the fiend of environment and service providing, line ministries (Transport and Infrastructure and Urban Development ministries) as well as other programs operating in Albania. There was also a representation from Water Regulatory Authority.

In the beginning of the meeting, participants discussed the implications of the organic law draft in the waste sector, especially the aspects of financing the service, minimal standard and aspects of local government units’ functions in the field of public services. Also they discussed the impact of the organic law on the sectorial legislation. Issues such as the sustainability of the service towards its affordability, subvention against function, or asymmetrical decentralization, were the main part of the discussions. 

Taking into account that the government has withdrawn from the Commission on Productive Activity, Trade and Environment the draft- law “On some additions and changes in the law no. 8102 “On the regulatory framework of water providing and removal and processing of wasted waters”, (which also determines the role of the Water Regulatory Authority in the field of waste), the discussion was maintained within general boundaries. Participants who spoke in the meeting stressed the influence that the organic law might have over the regulatory aspects of the sector, the indispensability of a regulator above parties, and its relationship and functioning as related to affordability, preservation of the minimal standard and determination of service tariffs.