New model contract for water, sewerage services presented

TIRANA, Jan. 21 – Representatives of Albanian water and sewerage operators, consumer associations and other relevant actors gathered this week 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 organizers welcomed the comments and feedback of participants on the document, which will serve to improve its quality and practical usefulness in terms of protecting the rights and duties of consumers and water and sewerage operators.
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 consultation workshop was organized jointly by the Water Regulatory Entity (WRE) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy (METE) with the support of the Joint United Nations Programme on Economic Governance, Regulatory Reform and Pro-Poor Development.
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.
The new drinking water and electricity contracts currently both under discussion with interest groups will be ready by next February.
The new electricity draft contract is expected to give an end to ongoing power failures and oblige distribution system operator CEZ Shperndarje to take responsibility for damage.