Violeta Hyseni Kelmendi & Vlera Zymeri
As a journalist of a local medium in Peja/Peć, Valdrin Daci has reported many times about the events that happened in his hometown. But for the first time, he devoted himself very diligently to closely monitoring the implementation of the project “Regulation of the Karagaq Park in Peja/Peć”. The project worth nearly 70,000 euros was financed by the Municipal Performance Grant and provided for the arrangement of the path around the artificial lake, the installation of seats and the improvement of the lighting of the park.
With the initiative of the DEMOS project, the Social Audit Group was formed, consisting of active citizens and members of various organizations from the region of Peja/Peć. The group had the task of analysing the work done on the ground by the municipality, as well as holding meetings with the mayor and other representatives of the Municipality of Peja/Peć, to then give recommendations regarding the findings on the ground.
“My experience with the Social Audit group has been very good. We worked to offer our contribution and I believe we succeeded. Our activism has prompted the municipality to reflect differently, someone has seen that we are interested in the projects developed in the city”, says Valdrin Daci.
The group, which consisted of a total of 21 members, had recommended to the municipality that the metal seats placed in the park be combined with wood or materials more suitable for all seasons, that the lighting be functionalized after 11:00 p.m., and that the access for people with disabilities or parents with small children in strollers will be improved.
Riza Blaka, a retired biology professor, was also part of the Social Audit group. He speaks very passionately about the Karagaçi Park in Peja/Peć, which he considers to be the most beautiful part of the city.
“We as a group have tried and will try to elevate the park as much as possible. We asked and we are still asking for surveillance cameras to be installed to prevent damage caused to the park by irresponsible people”, says professor Blaka.
According to him, the municipality is listening to the voice of the citizens and is working on addressing the recommendations, but it needs the cooperation of the citizens. “Citizens are entering the park with cars, damaging the plants, throwing garbage. Without engagement and care from the citizens themselves, it is difficult to have the situation we want”, adds Riza Blaka, who represented the local community “Karagaçi” with about 2500 inhabitants in the Social Audit.
Social Audit is an innovative approach that aims to increase citizen engagement to evaluate the performance of municipalities in providing services and to contribute to improving the quality of these services. For those who have been part of this process until now, such as Valdrin Daci, such civic activism is necessary.
“The influence of the Social Audit groups is very important and I have repeatedly said that these groups should be developed further. Civil society today is based on the work and contribution of these groups. They know best what happens in the municipality and they don’t allow a project to falter”, emphasized Valdrin.
In the last two years, the DEMOS project has carried out Social Audits in nine municipalities, focusing on the implementation of projects financed through the Municipal Performance Grant. This process has enabled groups of citizens, including those from marginalized groups, to be more active and raise issues that affect their well-being, to be more informed about their rights and the work that the municipality does, as well as discuss findings and recommendations with municipal leaders, holding them accountable for their work. In addition to DEMOS, the Ministry of Local Government Administration has also carried out Social Audits in nine municipalities.
