Community-Based Scorecard 2017

REPORT ON

COMMUNITY-BASED SCORECARD 2017

MUNICIPALITY OF ROSKOVEC

REPORT

COMMUNITY-BASED SCORECARD 2017

MUNICIPALITY OF ROSKOVEC

DISCLAIMER

This report was prepared with:

Financial and technical support of the United Stated Agency for International Development (USAID). The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or United States Government.

And with: Financial and technical support of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment under the ‘Leadership and Political Participation’ Program, funded by the Government of Sweden through the United Nations Coherence Fund and is part of the Government of Albania - UN Programme of Cooperation 2012-2016. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the UN Women, United Nations agencies or the Government of Sweden.

AUTHORS

This report was designed and prepared by the experts of the Gender Alliance for Development Center with the assistance and support of:

Laureta MEMO, Civic Engagement and Communication Expert, USAID/Planning and Local Governance Project Fiorela SHALSI, Leadership and Political Participation’ Program Manager, UN Women

© Applications for permit to reproduce or translate any or all parts of this study should be submitted to Gender Alliance for Development Center office at the following address: Rr. Abdyl Frashëri”, P.10/1, shk.1, ap.3, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: [email protected] www.gadc.org.al

CONTENTS

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ...... 6

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 7

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 8

3. A PROFILE OF MUNICIPALITY OF ROSKOVEC ...... 9

4. METHODOLOGY ...... 12

5. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 14

6. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ...... 16

7. MAIN FINDINGS ...... 18

7.1 FINDINGS IN THE CITY ...... 18

7.2 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS ...... 25

ABOUT GENDER ALLIANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT CENTER ...... 31

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We appreciate the help of all contributors in the realization of this report on community-based scorecard. We thank the citizens of the Municipality of Roskovec for their active participation in the project activities providing valuable feedback on the good governance of their municipality.

We particularly acknowledge the help and contribution of Mrs. Majlinda Bufi, Mayor of Roskovec, and her staff, who have made specific pledges to their citizens following the feedback on improvement of Municipality of Roskovec’s performance.

We extend our appreciation to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment and the USAID Planning and Local Governance Project for their financial and technical support in the implementation of this project.

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

CAP Citizen Advisory Panel

CBS Community-based scorecard

GADC Gender Alliance for Development Center

LGU Local Government Unit

TAR Territorial-Administrative Reform

UN Women United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment

USAID United States Agency for International Development

1. INTRODUCTION

While progress is being made to advance the decentralization process in Albania, the challenges to successfully implement decentralized and democratic local governance are immense. The territorial-administrative reform (TAR) initiated in June 2015 had a significant impact on the functioning and administration of local government units (LGUs). The reduction of LGU number from 373 to 61 led to a huge increase of the territory and population as well as to the complexity of their governance. The reform had a great impact not only on the additional responsibilities and functions of the LGUs, but also on their ability to provide quality and efficient services to the citizens in the expanded municipality. In addition to this, municipalities are coping with greater challenges than before to truly inform, involve and represent women and men in their decision- making.

To this end, the USAID Planning and Local Governance Project (PLGP) and UN Women, in collaboration with civil society organizations and citizen advisory panels (CAP), have undertaken a Community-Based Scorecard (CBS) initiative in 10 of Albania’s largest municipalities since 2015. Prior to the territorial-administrative reform and local elections of 2015, CBS was implemented in the municipalities of Elbasan, Berat, Kamza, and Vlora. The concerns and recommendations of men and women from these municipalities were presented to and incorporated in the agendas and programs of the candidates for mayor of these cities. In year 2016, CBS was implemented in 6 other municipalities, including Fier, Gjirokastra, Kuçova, Vlore, Lushnje and Shkodra and in 2017 in six additional municipalities: Roskovec, Saranda, Patos, Vora, Kukes, and Lezha. Community-based scorecard involves major aspects of local governance, such as (I) Quality and efficiency of public services; (II) Local democracy and good governance; (III) Local economic development; and, (IV) Human rights at local level.

By soliciting citizens’ opinions in identifying and determining local priorities, CBS seeks to establish and promote citizen mechanisms to improve local democracy. The CBS process facilitates monitoring and evaluation of local administration’s performance, in addition to creating bridges of dialogue, interaction, and cooperation at local level.

The community-based scorecard is a good approach and opportunity for municipalities to gain an understanding of citizens’ needs and priorities. Incorporation of CBS results in local programs and their efforts to influence development of local policies is a positive indicator of the democracy in action. A combination of CBS methodology with key local stakeholders, such state administration Citizen Advisory Panels (CAPs) and civil society organizations, has rendered the successful implementation of this process possible.

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The information provided in this report presents the progress of community-based scorecard process in the Municipality of Roskovec for December 2016 – April 2017. It provides local community and administration’s assessment of the performance of services delivered at local level as well as citizens’ findings and recommendations. The CBS process gives to the Municipality of Roskovec a clear picture of citizens’ evaluation of public services, economic development, functioning of local democracy, and human rights at local level.

The community-based scorecard process was carried out by the Gender Alliance for Development Center (GADC) in cooperation with the Municipality of Roskovec, the administrative units of Kurjan, Strum, and Kuman, with the participation of the Citizen Advisory Panel (CAP) and the communities in the abovementioned administrative unit.

The Community-Based Scorecard Project ran during December 2016 – April 2017, and included 6 municipalities – Municipality of Roskovec being one of them. The goal of this project is to improve local democracy by empowering citizen mechanisms. Its specific objectives seek to encourage interaction and dialogue between citizens and local authorities by incorporating citizens’ priorities and needs in local programs and budgets, by creating conditions for sustainable improvements of service delivery to communities, and by strengthening cooperation between both parties.

CBS implementation required close work with the municipal administration to ensure their readiness and cooperation in this process. Indeed, this called for preparatory meetings and discussions on the methodology, areas to be examined by CBS, and on the selection of zones for project implementation and participation of citizens. It is worth mentioning the valuable contribution of the Citizens’ Advisory Panel.

An array of documents and strategies were examined in the course of this process, including draft Strategy on Territorial Development, municipality’s budget for year 2016, the work plan of the Crosscutting Strategy on Decentralization and Local Governance 2015-2020, Law No. 119/2014 “On Right to Information”, Law No. 135/2015 “On Local Self-Governance”, municipality’s website, etc.

This report includes: 1) A brief profile of the Municipality of Roskovec; 2) Project methodology; 3) Project Description; 4) A summary of results of citizens’ evaluation on local governance; 5) Findings and recommendations for the future.

3. A PROFILE OF MUNICIPALITY OF ROSKOVEC

After the adoption of the territorial-administrative reform in year 2015, Roskovec maintained its status as a municipality as one of the 61 municipalities of Albania. It should be pointed out that this municipality regained its territory, including the villages of former communes of Strum, Kuman, and Kurjan. Mrs. Majlinda Bufi was elected Mayor of Roskovec in the Juen 2015 elections. The municipality now incorporates 14 villages with a population of 32,163 inhabitants as per the Civil Office registry. The Municipal Council determined 24 July as the local celebration day, as Roskovec regained the territories of which it was deprived for about a century.

The municipality’s center is located in the town of Roskovec and is composed of three administrative units: Kuman, Kurjan, and Strum. Various studies and archeological excavations reveal that a branch of the Via Egnatia passed close to the town of Roskovec and was used for transport by Caesar of Rome. The Church of St. Nicholas in Kurjan is well-known in this area; it is a byzantine church constructed with bricks and stone slates in the 13th century influenced by a romantic-era style that was introduced in our country from the occupation of the Kingdom of Naples. It is proven that Nicholas, son of Onufri, and another painter by the name of Johan, of unknown origin, painted the walls of this church in 1578. The Church of St. George built in the 17th century is located in the administrative unit of Strum. The area where the Municipality of Roskovec is situated is known for its rich and productive arable land. Its population is very active and well-experienced in agricultural works. Its land used to produce high yields in wheat, corn, cotton, and vegetables.

Roskovec houses one of the largest water reservoirs, which gives life to the plains of Myzeqe. Constructed in a well-studied location, this reservoir started to operate in 1960 and had about 33 million cubic meters of water. Close to this reservoir is a marsh lagoon, known by the name of Black Marsh.

In terms of livestock production, Roskovec has established its school of experience for swine breeding (its breed is scientifically known as the Roskovec swine in a study conducted in the US). The area is known for cultivation of tobacco and has its variant known in Europe by the name of Roskovec. Likewise, the area is famous for its olive groves that take up considerable surface in the hilly zone. In addition, an important factor that guarantees sustainable economic development in the area is the underground wealth, including oil which is extracted in the fields of Marinza, Belina, and Jagodina.

Roskovec is known as an education-loving area. It opened its first native schools in 1901-1910. The town has an increasing number of intellectuals that are an asset to the economic and social development of the area. Many of these people hold scientific titles and degrees. The area is home to many well-known people in diplomacy, economy, art, culture, literature, journalism, publishers, and great cohort of teachers.

Small and medium-sized businesses are operating in the Municipality of Roskovec. There is only one large business that has employed more than 80 people. Some 99% of the businesses are small (with 1-4 employees), whereas the medium businesses (with 5-19 employees) account for 0.7% of the businesses, which running their activities mainly in the sectors of construction, banking, telecommunication, education, fuel, etc. About 84% of the businesses are economic (with a legal status of physical entity) operating in the sectors of trade, services, restaurants, and other economic activities, with employment varying from 1 to 4 individuals.

In general, the climate conditions of Roskovec are quite favorable for the development of many agricultural crops. The arable land can be cultivated 2-3 times per year, but the irregular rainfall (too little rainfall in summertime) make irrigation measures a must. The Lake of Kurjan creates abundant water reserves that make the Roskovec area one of the most productive regions in the country.

The municipality will work for sustainable growth, on planned steps, where new developments will rely on access to a range of local public services and where housing and employment will be ensured. The new development will be located so as to maximize the possibility of commute by all transport modes and will improve accessibility for all. It will heed the features of the area in which it will occur so that it improves the quality of life in the municipality.

The towns, their villages and neighborhoods will be regularly maintained and improved so that they play an important role in delivering local services and decrease the need for more travel time for meeting the daily needs. The municipality will offer a safe and attractive living environment, particularly for basic services, such as education, healthcare, cleaning, water supply, sewage, greenery, public lighting, etc.

The municipality’s accessibility will increase by improving the connection to the harbor and to the airport in the medium term. Public transport is required to improve and expand in order to meet the increasing demands of the residents and tourists. Parking in the municipality will be improved to help mitigate the effects of heavy traffic, especially during the summer.

The quality of environment and life will continue to improve by increasing access to green spaces and greenery. The boundary of the green belt will be determined. It will be protected and enriched with various vegetation to enhance the environmental quality of urban settlements and breathing. A substantial green network will be established in order to provide alternatives for recreation and relaxation.

The economy will rely on its development by promoting tourism and agriculture. Special attention will be paid to the integration of new generations in the economy, and creating opportunities for initiatives within the growth of small and medium enterprises. Employment will be supported with educational opportunities and vocational training. Access of local products to the regional markets 10

will increase making sure that they reach the market without having to alienate because of tourism.

4. METHODOLOGY

The community-based scorecard process1 is a monitoring tool employed by the community as an analysis unit to promote social and public accountability and responsibility of the local decision- making institutions. CBS is also known as ‘community voice’ as it enables citizens to communicate their evaluation of the quality, relevance, and efficiency of public services and propose changes to the delivered services including local decision-making. The CBS mechanism is applied at an utterly important level – local level, where citizens are in direct contact with decision-making authorities and, above all, with the services delivered by them.

This process facilitates the dialog between community and local authorities juxtaposing possibilities (resources available to local authorities) with the real needs of the community. The application of this mechanism at local level impacts: development of participatory democracy and accomplishment of local good governance. It should also be pointed out that CBS is not merely an evaluation process. Indeed, it goes further. It builds interaction among community, local authorities, civil society organizations, etc., by creating conditions for sustainable improvements of services provided to community and by empowering the community.

The main principles of service evaluations in the course of community-based scorecard (regardless of the focus of the CBS) include: • Relevance: does the program or service reflect the needs of the targeted group? Does it meet the standards and criteria stipulated in the law? • Efficiency: Are the (human, financial, local) resources being used effectively and in a timely manner? Is the community involved in the planning of these resources? • Participation: To what extent and how is community participation in planning and implementation of programs/services encouraged? What models do authorities use to encourage participation? • Sustainability: longevity of programs, services. Are the annual funds increasing or are they lacking at all? • Results: What changes has the program/service implementation introduced? What ways do local authorities use to measure impact?

The beneficiaries of the community-based scorecard include the community and local authorities. The CBS process enables the community to be informed on services provided by local authorities; voice its opinion on their quality and efficiency; monitor the accomplishment of obligations/commitments in delivering quality services; express its opinion directly to relevant authorities and demand from them to make the necessary improvements; and, interact with relevant authorities with the aim of benefiting quality and sustainable services. CBS helps local authorities to better know the needs and priorities of the communities in general and its vulnerable groups in particular; guide the use of available resources in conformity with the community needs and priorities; increase their capacities and transparency in governance; and improve the quality and availability of services provided to the community.

1 Taken from A Handbook for Civil Society “Community-Based Scorecard” supported by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, Ideart Publishing House, Tirana, 2012 12

The community-based scorecard goes through several phases, which are: (1) evaluation of data follow-up (finding and examination of documents, materials, and strategies relative to the municipality); (2) Community evaluation of municipality’s performance (focus groups with local citizens in urban and rural areas); (3) Evaluation or self-evaluation from service providers (semi- structured interviews with local authorities); (4) Direct meetings between beneficiaries and providers (public presentation of findings and recommendations from this process); and, (5) preparation of report with the aim of institutionalizing the process, advocacy, and monitoring.

5. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The community-based scorecard undergoes some phases, which are detailed out below:

Evaluation card: the preparatory phase of the project is very important for determining aspects/ areas to be covered and the indicators to be used by the CBS. The four selected areas were: (I) Quality and efficiency of public services; (II) Local democracy and good governance; (III) Local economic development; and, (IV) Human rights at local level. Twenty performance indicators were defined based on the selected areas. Three specific cards were prepared for the city, administrative unit, and a summary of evaluation of citizens and service providers.

The indicators used for the community-based scorecard included:

PUBLIC SERVICES LOCAL DEMOCRACY/ Roads GOOD GOVERNANCE Lighting Information and Communication Cleaning Transparency Greenery Water supply and Sewerage Participation in decision-making

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HUMAN RIGHTS AT LOCAL LEVEL Strategic planning Women Budget planning Vulnerable groups Business promotion Roma and Egyptians Employment promotion with Protection from discrimination particular focus in women and youth

Focus groups: Four focus groups with representatives of the community and citizens of Roskovec and the administrative units of Kurjan, Strum, and Kuman in January and February 2017 were organized with the aim of soliciting citizens’ opinion. Among 82 attendees were, civil society, community marginalized groups, active citizens, heads of villages, men, women, nurses, teachers, etc., who used scoring to evaluate municipality’s performance and identify citizens’ needs and priorities. A somewhat balanced gender participation was identified in the community’s evaluation of the governance process 38 men and 42 women. During the focus group meetings, participants were informed on the goal and objectives of the project, territorial-administrative reform, change of local governance legislation, and on mechanisms intended for citizen participation in decision-making.

Semi-structured interviews: After the meetings with citizens, semi-structured interviews were conducted with municipality’s representatives, whereby service providers self-evaluated, by means of a scoring system, the services they provide to the community. Interviews were conducted with the deputy mayor, Information and Consultation Coordinator, the Head of Municipal Services, a member of the Roskovec Municipal Council, and with the administrators of Kurjan, Strum, and Kuman. The evaluation score scale employed in the community-based scorecard with both the citizens and the municipality is as follows:

Criteria Score No service or very poor quality service provided 1-Very bad Service is provided, but its quality is poor 2- Bad Service is provided and its quality is relatively acceptable 3- Just OK Service is provided with good quality 4- Good Service is provided with high quality 5- Very good

Data analysis: Data entry and analysis obtained from focus group discussions and interviews with service providers constitute a very important moment in the community-based scorecard process. During this phase, scorecard and findings of citizens and service providers were consolidated. A key part to this work was the consultation of documents/strategies and other information that helped to display a clearer view of examined areas and indicators.

Public presentation: Public presentation of the scorecard evaluation process was the final phase of the CBS in the Municipality of Roskovec. It was held as a public forum with the citizens of this local government unit. In addition to Deputy Mayor Bardha Begaj, municipal staff, other attendees of this event included representatives of civil society organizations operating in Roskovec, marginalized groups, active citizens, Municipal Council members– part of focus group discussions. Findings from this process were presented and recommendations produced from meetings with citizens were also discussed in this event. Municipality representatives considered the process to be a good opportunity to solicit citizens’ opinion and a useful way to enhance cooperation and communication with them in the future. These recommendations will be considered in the course of preparing the next year budget and will become part of the territorial planning strategy, which is in the development phase.

6. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

As already explained earlier in this reports, the community-based scorecard process involved citizens of administrative units of Roskovec center and Kurjan, Strum, and Kuman. Municipal staff/ service providers were also interviewed during this process. The issues under monitoring and evaluation were similar to those discussed in focus group with the community in order to obtain data on these issues from the community as the service beneficiary and from the municipality as the service provider. Below are the results produced and analyzed from this evaluation.

a) Quality and efficiency of public services - roads/ sidewalks, lighting, city cleaning, greenery, water supply and sewerage, irrigation and drainage canals, and forests and pastureland.

QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC SERVICES Interviewees Score Citizens 3.5 City Service providers 4.5 Administrative Citizens 3 unit Service providers 3.3

b) Local democracy/ good governance – Information and communication, transparency, participation in decision-making

LOCAL DEMOCRACY/ GOOD GOVERNANCE Interviewees Score Citizens 4 City Service providers 4.5 Administrative Citizens 2.8 unit Service providers 3.5

c) Local economic development - Strategic planning, budget planning, business promotion, employment promotion with particular focus in women and youth

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Interviewees Score Citizens 2.8 City Service providers 3.5 Administrative Citizens 2.3 unit Service providers 3

d) Human rights at local level - women, marginalized groups, Roma and Egyptians, protection from discrimination

HUMAN RIGHTS AT LOCAL LEVEL Interviewees Score Citizens 4.5 City Service providers 4.7 Administrative Citizens 3.3 unit Service providers 3.6

In addition to a scoring system, participants had the opportunity to give their feedback and suggestions/recommendations. Below are some of the main findings and recommendations that the citizens and services providers gave for the Municipality of Roskovec.

7. MAIN FINDINGS

7.1 FINDINGS IN THE CITY

7.1.1 Quality and efficiency of public services

Road Infrastructure

Findings

The citizens of Roskovec have high consideration of infrastructure investments undertaken by the municipality. They think that the investment in the main road under construction is one of the best investments in town. Citizens are very pleased with the many events organized by the municipality to revitalize the city life and the establishment of a statue of the Strum Beauty has made them feel happy. Citizens report that neighborhood streets are not good, while the municipality confirms that the town’s secondary roads are in the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction because of sewage repairs. Citizens of all administrative units demand roads of better quality. They think that the investments on the national road to Berat will benefit the town from the many tourists visiting Berat.

Recommendations - Once interventions/improvements are complete, it is necessary to plan and take actions road maintenance, public lighting, expansion and improvement of sidewalks and signage. - In terms of road signage, citizens of Roskovec recommend painting white lines on the roads, regular maintenance of the existing signage, and installation of traffic lights.

Public lighting Findings In terms of the public lighting, citizens state that the service has improved. In the town neighborhoods and suburban areas the service is poor. According to the municipality, public lighting in the municipality is compliant with the modern parameters, even though it needs to be improved and expanded to suburban areas (which is one of the priorities of the local government unit for this year). The local officials declared that the process of legalization was an impediment to providing public lighting service to local residents.

Recommendations - Citizens recommend that more work be done to maintain and provide this service not only in the main streets of the municipality but also in the town neighborhoods, particularly in the suburban areas.

Cleaning Service

Findings Both the municipality and citizens think that the cleaning service in the urban areas is good, but problematic in suburban areas where waste bins are not cleaned and waste is not regularly collected in remote areas. Cleaning in the town center and neighborhoods is very good. This service is outsourced to private companies contracted on tender basis for both urban and rural areas. The municipality has employed mechanisms to measure the quality of this service, including direct information from community polls, media, social networks (web, Facebook, etc.). Civil society is giving its contribution in this direction.

Recommendations • Improve town cleaning service by installing more waste bins, especially in the neighborhoods and suburban areas; • The municipality should work more with local businesses so that the latter manage their waste; • Undertake awareness campaigns with citizens; • Apply recycling methods in the town, particularly during the summertime.

Greenery Service

Findings Given the area size and population, greenery in urban areas is very poor. Due to the very system of the town, green spaces are scarce; the old green premises have been occupied with buildings now and no new spaces are created. The extension and expansion of settlements not only in the town of Roskovec but also in other areas with settlements have to been coherently associated with the installation and construction of the required road infrastructure and engineering network, which is located by along the road axis in most cases. Therefore, the problem of urban infrastructure relates with the construction of the required engineering network in the neighborhoods and settlement areas, including water supply and sewage, public lighting, greenery, etc. Residents are willing to bring saplings to make their town greener upon an appeal by the municipality. On the other hand, the municipality says that it has some funding available for small interventions in the neighborhoods and for maintaining the existing greenery. The town has, in general, many areas with all-year-round greenery, but it would be greener with the construction of a children playground, which is a must for this town.

Recommendations • Create green spaces in every neighborhood • Initiate a public action for greenery and planting of roses

Water Supply and Sewage Service

Findings 19

Regardless of considerable improvements in the water supply service, the citizens of Roskovec reported problems on this service. They admitted that the municipality is investing and hoped that positive results are delivered in the short run, because water is still supplied according to a schedule and the water supply system is still not put to work. No sewer system is in place. Both storm and waste waters are discharged in the neighborhood streets. The municipality states that the quality of water is good and water chlorination is performed regularly. Some defects are identified in the internal distribution system. Work is being carried out to minimize water distribution losses and extend the water supply timetable. There are plans for short-term interventions. Citizens declare that water supply is also problematic in schools. Girls, in particular, find this very problematic. According to the municipality, capital interventions have been made in all restrooms of the schools and the problem is now solved.

Recommendations • Improve water supply in several neighborhoods and in suburban areas • Intervene in the sewage system, particularly in the suburban zones • Ensure water supply for the schools

7.1.2 Local Democracy and Good Governance

Information and Communication

Findings Citizens of Roskovec are very happy with the communication and information. According to the municipality, information is provided accurately, quickly and regularly. Citizens have access to information by means of the public information office. One local officer is assigned to follow up reported issues and take the problem to the responsible department or identify a solution in cooperation with the respective department or mayor. A response is given in 15 days. The municipality thinks that the establishment of a one-stop-shop would further improve the delivery of information. A phone line is dedicated to provision of information via telephone. A complaint system is established in the administrative units of Roskovec and Kurjan, Strum, and Kuman.

Recommendations • Citizens should be guided where to obtain the information they need • The local administration needs to identify ways to improve communication with the citizens.

Transparency in Decision-Making

Findings The Municipality of Roskovec makes extensive use of the social and local media. It has established a website (www.bashkiaroskovec.gov.al) and a Facebook page, which is updated regularly. Regular notices and information are provided to local media; relationship with local media is very good and the municipality is open to them at any time. An information stand is 20

installed at the municipality as well as in its administrative units. The Municipality of Roskovec makes extensive use of the local TV Apollon, and a loudspeaker vehicle is used to inform citizens of important events.

Recommendations • Update regularly the municipality’s website; it should be refreshed with updated information needed by citizens since social media (commonly used by the municipality) does not offer categorized and easily accessible information for the citizens. • The stand of notifications should have updated information. • Citizens need to locate easily the information on decisions of the Municipal Council and the municipality, transparency program, transparency register, the application form for information and where to submit the application form.

Participation in Decision-Making

Findings The municipality hold public meetings with citizens and has designed mechanisms to endure their information and participation in these meetings, even though not always successful. Citizens of Roskovec think there is need for improvement in terms of notice delivery to citizens. Solicitation and incorporation of citizens’ opinion and feedback in the decision-making of the municipality/ Municipal Council is a problem that should be addressed.

Citizens knew that the Municipal Council meetings were open and admitted to have attended them only when related with them and rarely wish to attend proceedings with the thinking that decision-making does not belong to them. Citizens think that the Municipal Council should be more active in undertaking initiatives to the benefit of the community and should meet more regularly with them.

The municipality hold frequent meetings with citizens, particularly on decisions that directly affect their life or before adopting a budget. In any public hearing, citizens are informed of an email address of the municipality to submit their feedback and suggestions or their complaints. The citizens have highest consideration of the municipality’s transparency and think that their local government unit is an open office where they can obtain timely and quality information and services.

Recommendations • The municipality should enforce the law on public consultation in all its operations. • All citizens should be informed of the time and venue of public meetings/consultations. • It should be emphasized regularly out that Municipal Council meetings are open to citizens. The municipality should promote participation of citizens in decision-making. • Establish community structures and liaison, as foreseen in the law. • Organize regular meetings ahead of budget approval

7.1.3 Local Economic Development

Strategic Planning

Findings The entire economic development in the territory of the Municipality of Roskovec relies on the Strategic Development Plan of 2015-2017, Operational Development Plan and urban planning studies. Citizens had no knowledge of these plans. Citizens are aware of the Development Coordination Office, even though they have no information about its projects. According to the municipality, the strategic plan will be more comprehensive and ambitious in terms of quality improvements to its services and rural development. In cooperation with Regional Development Fund, the municipality has submitted applications for projects that seek to promote tourism, such as in the area of Kurjan and its church, amid efforts to generate employment and alleviate poverty. A one-day tour guidebook is under preparation. A Harvest Fair and Olive Feast are held on annual basis. All these events focus in promotion of local economy and generation of employment for young men and women. Priority is also paid to farmers by improving the irrigation and drainage system and connecting the municipality with its administrative units by means of paved roads so as to facilitate transport of agricultural outputs to consumers via an improved and faster service.

Recommendations • Design an Agricultural Development Strategy to guide economic development in the municipality • Promotion of various forms of cooperation among farmers in livestock and agriculture (and social businesses), mechanization of agriculture, increase of output quality and development of local production brands, development of infrastructure for the collection of local yields in accordance with the modern standards, increase of the coverage of local markets and exports, development of markets for local products, and agri-processing remain development potentials of the strategic planning for the municipality.

Promotion of Business

Findings Citizens said they were not aware of any policies or fiscal facility to promote private businesses, particularly women and youth. The municipality declared that it had helped to boost local businesses through promotion made possible by the municipality in cooperation with the tourist agencies, local and national media, exchange with neighboring countries, etc. for tourism and food artisanship. There are no hotels in Roskovec. The municipality is working to identify potentials for marketing local agricultural products to national and international markets along with opening new women-run small businesses through financial assistance (of 100,000 ALL).

Recommendations • The municipality should place more efforts in promoting private businesses and encouraging them to create jobs

• The municipality provide fiscal facilities or small grants to help create new businesses or social businesses.

Promotion of Employment

Findings With the exception of the economic aid scheme administered by the municipality, there is no other program or study on employment. According to the citizens, youth, women and Roma population suffer from unemployment the most in the Municipality of Roskovec.

Recommendations • The municipality should have more productive collaborations to promote employment of the young people and women.

Collection of Revenues and Budgetary Planning

Findings During 2015, tax and non-tax revenues in the Municipality of Roskovec amounted to 21% of all total revenues due to poor performance in tax collection. An audit conducted in the administrative units shows that the latter did not have a complete and accurate list of local taxpayers, including households and businesses. Collection of property tax is a major challenge for the municipality. Occasionally and as per the created situation, citizens are informed on their obligation to pay taxes. This information is provided in public and individual meetings by tax inspectors on site. Tax rates are the same for both urban and rural areas. Citizens say that taxes are included in the water bill and that they pay it, even though the tax is not broken down in the water bill.

Recommendations • Citizens should be better informed of their obligation to pay local taxes and fees by becoming part of the budgetary planning process. • Citizens should be informed regularly how their taxes are used. • The municipality should establish strict procedures and should regularly analyze and monitor tax collection performance as per the planned budget. This would help to improve tax collection rate and improve local spending capacities. • Establish a database with complete and accurate data on tax collection from individuals, households and businesses that would help the municipality to monitor and improve the tax collection performance. This would also help to treat taxpayers fairly and equally given the database would identify taxpayers that have paid and those that have not paid their fiscal obligations.

7.1.4 Human Rights at Local Level

Women

Findings The municipality has a program to address gender-based violence. It has installed a toll-free line to report domestic violence (in a cooperative agreement with UNDP). Awareness campaigns, support and assistance programs for abused women (supported by UNDP) are currently running in this local government unit. One officer is assigned to address gender equity. The reference mechanism of domestic violence is in place and functional since March 2017. Work is also coordinated with civil society. Preventive work is combined with utmost possible support for abused women. All cases of gender violence are addressed with top priority and protection orders are issued in these cases. According to the local government unit, local programs consider gender issues. At decision-making level, the Municipal Council is composed of 21 councilors, of which 47.6% are women. Human resources of the Municipality of Roskovec have 143 staff members, including elected and political functions, civil and other public services, municipal police, communal services, etc., in which 34.2% are women. Two most important positions in the municipality are held by women: Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Roskovec.

Recommendations • In addition to the excellent work done for involvement of women in decision-making, mainly in leadership positions, the municipality should place more efforts for their employment and promotion of women-led/run businesses • Establish a service center for women.

Marginalized Groups

Findings The Municipality of Roskovec does not have institutions operating in this area. Some 795 people are under the social care scheme, of which 98 individuals (of which 12.2% are women) receive economic aid, and 687 people (of which 52.9% are women) receive disability allowances.

Recommendations • The municipality should work harder to protect and guarantee the rights and social inclusion of the groups with special needs. • Citizens demand that abandoned elderly are identified and have the social service help this category. • Divorced women/widows should receive psychological support as well as help for employment. • Household in need for social assistance should be identified. • Action plans must be carried out for marginalized groups, such as Roma, youth, women, etc.

Roma and Egyptians

Findings According to interviewed citizens, integration of Roma remains a problem. Structured services must be provided to them. Employment of Roma is also a problem. This community receives support from the municipality through the economic aid scheme. Some houses owned by members of this community have been renovated by the municipality. The local government unit has also given equal chances to Roma population to participate in the fairs and other events organized at local level. Egyptians are generally integrated into the local society.

Recommendations • Map the needs of Roma community • Provide structured services to this community. • Create employment opportunities for the Roma • Create housing opportunities for the Roma (through social housing programs)

Protection from Discrimination

Findings Interviewed citizens were aware of the Law on Protection from Discrimination not only because the municipality has designed programs for this specific issue, but also because the schools have done a good job in this direction. The municipality, on the other hand, reported to have no specific structure, but stated that the structures on protection from discrimination are combined with those on child protection, domestic violence, etc. The municipality has signed an agreement with the Commissioner for the Protection from Discrimination.

Recommendations • It is recommended that administrative units enforce the Law on Protection from Discrimination and work in pursuance of this law when delivering services to citizens. • It is recommended that the municipality undertake awareness campaigns to ensure social- cultural interaction and break discriminatory barriers

7.2 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS

7.2.1 QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC SERVICES

Roads

Findings Citizens report that the roads in rural areas are problematic. The village of Luar has no roads at all and a community of 5,120 residents have no access to roads. Also, there are no sidewalks

and schoolchildren are prone to road accidents. The main road is incomplete, even though survey participants are aware that funds have been raised. According to the municipality, the problem of Luar road is being solved and the road is now under construction. The Vidhishta Stream is collecting wastewater, which is a problem for the community, particularly for the school. The connection roads among villages and the pathways to arable land are problematic, especially during rain, by which time these roads are impassable for the children who have to walk to school or for the transport of agricultural products to the markets. Improvement of road quality is a must. Citizens think that little has been done in this direction. A few kilometers of roads to the administrative units’ centers have been paved and sidewalks constructed, but local residents demand more roads of better quality. They say they have information on road projects, but implementation of these projects has not started yet.

Public Transport

Findings There is no public transport in any of the administrative units. Goods and agricultural products are transported manually. There is no children transport to schools. Schoolchildren have to walk up to one hour or 3 km in rain and cold weather. In rainy days, some children do not go to school at all. Some children go to Ura Vajgurore schools. Some households have found a private solution for the transport of their children to school by hiring two vans. Some survey participants comment that the municipality gives allowances for transport costs for distance over 2 km, but parents use this money for survival and have their children walk to school rather than use transport. In meetings with local officials, residents were promised bus transportation for their children, but this promise is not kept to date. Strum residents have been informed of a tender procedure on public transport to this administrative unit, but no results have been produced to date.

Both the municipality and the citizens declared that connection of the town with the administrative unit of Kurjan, Strum, and Kuman is regular and the quality of service is good, even though the price is high. Interventions are expected to be carried out in this unit, regardless of lack of funding. Only private transport (taxis) is available in this administrative unit. No budget is foreseen to mend the situation.

Recommendations • The municipality should not give allowances, but establish a public transport system • Increase the number of bus stops

Cleaning

Findings The administrative unit of Kuman has a waste collection point and a truck removes waste from that location, even though no waste containers are located in the area. The village Marinez is polluted from oil and stinking gases that pollute the air. In Kurjan there is no cleaning service, not containers, no waste collection location. Waste is dumped and burnt without criteria. Promises were made to bring a truck to remove waste but nothing is done to date. The situation is quite different in Strum, where citizens think that there is a lot of change for good when compared with 26

the situation of the pasts few years, during which waste was dumped everywhere. The cleaning service has also improved. Waste is removed 3 times a week. Citizens say that they expect the municipality to bring a truck to remove the waste more frequently and cover all villages of this administrative unit.

Recommendations • Install waste bins in Kuman and Kurjan • Increase the frequency of cleaning, particularly during summertime • Prevent waste burning • Prevent waste dumping in watercourses

Water Supply and Sewage

Findings Four villages in the Administrative unit of Kuman have a water supply utility. Water is supplied through the utility, even though only one hour per day to the households. Over 50% of residents of Vidhisht have no drinkable water, which cannot run through the pipes because of the lack of a pumping system. The water quality is bad. The water is salty. Residents want clean water, without salt, and demand that water pipes be repaired. Indeed, they think iron water pipes should be replaced with plastic ones. Investments have been made in the water supply in three villages of Kurjan, whereas the investment in the village of Ngjeqar is interrupted. Investments have also been made in pipes. Water is not supplied on a schedule. The quality of water is bad; water is dark and contains iron, even though the nurse of this administrative unit states that analysis is conducted on monthly basis and this water is allowed for consumption. Water sources need to be decanted. According to the new law on local self-governance, each and every private well needs to be registered and chlorinated. No investments have been made in sewer system. Over 90% of households use septic holes and ask the local government unit to plan and address this problem. In Strum, survey participants comment that the water supply system is outdated. Two villages use industrial water. They know that there are plans to link the villages to the water supply pipeline of Roskovec. Residents are also unhappy with the quality of sewers and the poor quality of the works conducted by the contractor. Because of ownership disputes and conflicts, the sidewalk is built on a water discharge point causing frequent floods during storm weather. According to the municipality, the problem of water supply of three villages in the Administrative Unit of Kuman is being addressed through interventions in the network and water tanks.

Recommendations • Improve the situation of drinkable water, especially in the summer • Undertake information and awareness campaigns with the citizens to prevent misuse of drinkable water • Implement specific projects in the rural area

Forests and Pastureland, Irrigation/Drainage Canals

Findings The canals in Kuman are in place but need rehabilitation and repair. The Drainage Board should work harder. The big collector should be cleaned, as it causes huge floods. In pursuance of the Law No. 139/2015, “On Local Self-Governance”, the Municipality of Roskovec has received financial resources and means from the Ministry of Agriculture to manage and further develop the irrigation and drainage system. Residents think that the central government approves funds for emergencies. A budget has been allocated but the results are unsatisfactory. Locals seek the help of local government unit to identify a solution for cleaning and maintaining tertiary canals. They complain of uncleaned canals flooding their fish farm and demand quality service because they pay taxes for this service. In the new neighborhood of Vidhishta, the irrigation canal is flooded with wastewater. There is no irrigation system in place. There is a water catchment canal, but it does not solve the problem. Irrigation of this hilly area, particularly of olive trees, is a problem. Residents think that the old irrigation canals need repairs to set them to work. According to the municipality, drainage canals have been cleaned thanks to cooperation with oil companies operating in the area and Roskovec is the only municipality that was not flooded during wintertime.

Forests have not been destroyed; pastureland are leased to farmers who use them for their livestock. Heads of villages inspect and protect forests from fires. Residents take great care of the forests. Strum does not have a forestry and pastureland service. Locals said that the land of former state-owned forestry enterprise is now occupied by certain households and is leased to them at a rate defined by the local government unit. They also added that the irrigation and drainage service has become a must for their lands. The irrigation canal constructed in 1966 has not been maintained and has degraded over years. They think the local government unit is investing with the hope that the canals will be operational in the coming year.

Recommendations • Investments for cleaning the drainage canals are more than necessary.

7.2.2 LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

Transparency in Decision-making

Findings Residents can obtain information or a document at their administrative unit. The administrators of these units are very active and willing to help their constituencies. In general, the information is correct, but some complain about the quality of the service delivered to them. Residents say that they were obliged to wander for several days because of an inaccurate document given to them. There is no information stand and the administrative unit has one information officer.

Information and Communication

Findings There is no information office. There is only one stand where notices are posted up, but the information in this stand is not updated. No person is assigned for information (there is one in the Municipality of Roskovec, albeit). 28

Participation in Decision-making

Findings Public meetings are held but not all citizens attend them. Citizens are oftentimes not notified. The youth are more aware and informed from the municipality’s website. Notices are given via phone calls. There is no information stand. Public meetings on local budgets have been held. It is difficult to obtain information. Locals think that council members and heads of villages should give more information to the citizens, because some residents are interested in this information. Some interviewed inhabitants think that residents should be more aware and responsible for their role in the development of their administrative unit.

Recommendations • Enforce the Law on Public Notifications and Consultations • The municipality should conduct more frequent public meetings with interest groups when drafting the budget or hold consultations on various studies and projects.

7.2.3 LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Findings Citizens of Kuman declared that they had heard of the local plans, but did not take part in its consultation and did not know what this plan is all about. There are more than 50 small family businesses. They have never heard of any incentive or facility for them. Some residents have taken loans to construct greenhouses, but in case of frost their entire production is ruined and would like from their municipality to find a solution to this problem. The only employment opportunity is self-employment in agriculture, but irrespective of all efforts, their product is wasted because of lack of a market. Farmers in this area cultivate olive, pear, apple, grape, and tomato. They think that about 70-80% of the active population is jobless. Residents think that oil processing industry would be a great opportunity for employment and demand that the municipality intervene in the large oil companies operating in the area to generate employment. Another great opportunity for employment would be reset to work the Nitrogen Factory that would generate many jobs. There is no perspective for the youth, which are most affected by unemployment. Locals think that vocational education is gaining momentum. They are informed of their tax obligations and 70% of them pay taxes regularly. Citizens are aware of their duty to pay taxes and those who do not pay taxes are refused to obtain municipality services, such as documents and certificates.

7.2.4 HUMAN RIGHTS AT LOCAL LEVEL

Findings Programs, meetings and other activities on awareness for the fight against violence are in place. Schools run activities; posters are distributed and awareness campaigns are conducted. Various specialists and psychologists are invited to talk to the community. The local government unit is

very interested in political decision-making and less in other issues. The administrative units have not undertaken any anti-violence initiative, except for those run by the municipality. About 70% of the administration staff are women. Violence is perceived to be unreported, but some group voices call for activation of social experts in inspecting needy households where women and more than 6 members live in one room. In administrative units, most officials are women. Residents think that programs designed locally are gender-sensitive, but cannot give examples of these programs. Each village has 3-4 people in need. There are also children in poor conditions; their families’ revenues are insufficient to meet their basic needs; these families receive aid from Red Cross or other charity organizations. Locals are informed of the municipality’s programs to address violence. Awareness campaigns are organized in cooperation with the local schools and women’s organizations. The municipality places great efforts to involve women in policy decision- making. While they cannot name any concrete activity undertaken in cooperation with women’s organizations, residents demand that civil society organizations extend their activities in administrative units as well. The law on Gender Equality is duly enforced in the administrative units. Residents think that sociologists and psychologists in the administrative units should engage more in issues of education and women empowerment.

ABOUT GENDER ALLIANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Established in 1994, the Gender Alliance for Development Center (GADC) is a non-profit non- political organization with over 20 years of experience in research work, public education, assistance in capacity building, monitoring, and advocacy. GADC promotes democratic development and good governance with particular focus in the issues of gender equality and social inclusion. It is a leader organization in Albania and the region, well known for its role in the presentation of important issues relative to women’s rights, such as gender-based violence and trafficking of human beings.

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