Lipjan, a municipality in Kosovo, recently hosted a significant meeting between representatives from the EU Office in Kosovo, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and Mr. Imri Ahmeti, the mayor of Lipjan. The focus of the meeting was to discuss the municipality’s Performance Management System and address the concerns raised by local communities. The meeting shed light on both the opportunities and challenges that Lipjan faces in its development journey.
During the meeting, the development partners were glad to hear how the Performance Management System has increased the use of data in the municipality’s decision-making. An EU representative, Mikaela Gronqvist, team leader working in the EU office in Kosovo, said: “We encourage evidence-based decision-making and Lipjan’s commitment to using the data that they collect when making decisions about the use of public funds, is very positive”.
Nasrin Pourghazian, Head of Cooperation at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency highlighting the significance of collaboration, said, “Sweden believes in the power of partnerships. By working together with local authorities, we can find comprehensive solutions to the challenges faced by Lipjan and contribute to creating a more inclusive and prosperous municipality.”
Saranda Cana, Senior National Programme Officer at the Embassy of Switzerland added “Next to stimulating improved municipal performance, the Municipal Performance Grant (MPG) also contributes towards a more conducive local governance framework in Kosovo. The MPG is instrumental for diagnosing and addressing important aspects related to local government financing, management of municipal capital investment projects, follow up of audit recommendations, etc.”
One of the focal points of discussion was the project “Construction of the Water Reservoir and Rehabilitation of the Water Supply Network in Janjevo,” which was financed by the Municipal Performance Grant under the DEMOS III program. Donors visited the village of Janjevo and heard directly from community representatives about the water supply issues resulting from the damage to the old water system. The municipality of Lipjan allocated a portion of its grant to construct the new water reservoir, which serves as a crucial step toward addressing the larger challenge of providing a continuous water supply to the community.
Mayor Ahmeti acknowledged the need for further investment to modernize and expand the existing water network to meet the demands of Janjevo’s population. He affirmed, “We are committed to closely collaborating with the DEMOS team, municipal officials, and the affected community to find sustainable solutions to their water supply problems.”
The “Decentralisation and Municipal Support Project – DEMOS III,” financed by the European Union, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, stands as a testament to the commitment of international donors in fostering sustainable development and empowering local communities.
As Lipjan continues its journey towards progress, the commitment to addressing community concerns and delivering sustainable solutions remains at the core of its development strategy.