For nearly three decades, the consumption of water in four municipalities with a Serb majority in the north of Kosovo has occurred without formal billing. This long-standing practice is set to conclude this year, marking a significant operational shift for the utility service. Residents of North Mitrovica, Zvečan, Zubin Potok, and Leposavić are anticipated to transition into the standard payment system for the first time.
The Regional Water Utility Company (KRU) “Mitrovica” reported that this change necessitates addressing an accumulated debt estimated at approximately 20 million euros. Historically, the residents of these four municipalities have received water supplies from KRU “Mitrovica” without billing for a considerable period, spanning 67 years since the conclusion of the conflict in 1999. This impending shift mandates the integration of these previously unbilled services into a formal financial structure.
The transition requires establishing a clear billing framework for services that have been provided outside normal accounting procedures for decades. Consequently, the utility company must now reconcile the accumulated usage over the past years. The implementation of regular billing marks a departure from the historical model of free service provision for water in the north.
Stakeholders are now focusing on how the accumulated debt, representing decades of unbilled consumption, will be managed within the new operational and financial parameters for the coming year.
Topics: #year #water #north
The period of complimentary water service in the northern region is concluding. For almost three decades, water consumption in four municipalities with a Serb majority in northern Kosovo has operated
What are the expected changes in billing and water service for residents in the northern municipalities of Kosovo?