New drinking water contract becomes effective

TIRANA, March 22 – A new drinking water contract has entered into force improving the service and relations with consumers. However, the new contract does not foresee uninterrupted water supply as a compulsory obligation.
“The operator is responsible for 24 hour water supply every day based on quality standards in force. In case the operator cannot offer this service, then it must take measures to offer the best possible service informing consumers on the water supply timetables,” says the contract which has been published in the Official Gazette. The new contract also foresees the issue of water bills 15 days before the payment deadline and penalties for consumers who don’t pay them in time.
Earlier this year, representatives of Albanian water and sewerage operators, consumer associations and other relevant actors gathered in Tirana to discuss a new drinking water contract in the consultation workshop: “Towards a model contract for water and sewerage services: promoting a better relationship between consumers and water operators.” The draft contract reflects adequately the provisions of all the existing relevant Albanian legislation, including the water law, the consumer protection law and the Water and Sewerage Code.
The Water Regulatory Entity and the Ministry of Economy Trade and Energy aim to promote the use of the contract by all the Albanian water and sewerage operators to improve the relationship between consumers and water and sewerage operators. The programme aims to build the capacities of the state institutions responsible for policy making and regulation of the water and electricity public utilities to monitor the quality of services delivered to customers. The programme will also support the strengthening of state and non-governmental consumer protection bodies so that consumers have a stronger voice in promoting and protecting their rights.