The Working Group on Communal Services of ADKOM held its first and second meetings on 3 October and 28 November 2024 in Skopje. These sessions marked a significant step forward in strengthening policy advocacy and enhancing asset management practices for public utility companies (PUCs) across North Macedonia.
First Meeting: Laying the Foundation for Advocacy
The inaugural meeting established a collaborative platform focused on addressing pressing legal and regulatory issues affecting PUCs. Key discussions centered on the ownership and management of essential utility assets, highlighting challenges such as complex legal frameworks, incomplete asset registries, and unclear administrative procedures.
Highlights:
- Advocacy Strategy Presentation: ADKOM introduced its two-year advocacy strategy aimed at improving the legislative environment for PUCs.
- Asset Ownership Issues: Participants explored existing legislative gaps concerning asset registry, calling for improved legal clarity and simplified administrative processes.
- Stakeholder Engagement: The meeting emphasized the need for continuous dialogue with government institutions and local authorities.
Second Meeting: Data-Driven Policy Recommendations
Building on the first session, the second meeting focused on presenting and analyzing findings from a nationwide questionnaire on asset management practices among PUCs. Despite a limited response rate, the results provided valuable insights into current challenges.
Key Outcomes:
- Findings Presentation: The group reviewed key data points on asset registration practices, noting inconsistent procedures and limited technical capacity among PUCs.
- Policy Development: Participants proposed concrete next steps, including the creation of standardized asset management procedures and a policy document outlining legislative recommendations.
- Next Steps:
- Completion of the questionnaire with additional data collection.
- Conducting a comparative analysis of asset management practices.
- Organizing a meeting with financial experts to refine policy proposals.
Looking Ahead
ADKOM’s Working Group on Communal Services is committed to advancing regulatory reforms and promoting efficient asset management. The continued collaboration among stakeholders promises a more resilient and sustainable communal services sector in North Macedonia.
