The 5th International Conference “Efficient and Sustainable Water Services” organized by AQUASAN Network in BiH, on the 16th and 17th of October 2024 gathered more than 150 professionals from the region.
The conference, supported by RCDN and the Embassy of Switzerland in Bosnia and Herzegovina, brought together key stakeholders from the water services sector to discuss vital issues, share experiences, and strengthen cooperation for improved and sustainable water services in BiH.
Focus of the Conference
The focus was put on the ongoing dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the water services sector, specifically on:
- Strengthening the strategic, legal, and institutional framework for water services in BiH;
- Building institutional, organizational, and human capacities of local self-government units (LGUs) and public utility companies (PUCs);
- Exchanging knowledge, experiences, and good practices to improve the quality and sustainability of water services.
The conference emphasized the critical role of domestic institutions, organizations, and experts in reforming BiH’s water services sector, while highlighting opportunities to integrate international knowledge and best practices.
Key challenges discussed and addressed
- Decreasing water quality caused by pollution and network losses;
- Financial unsustainability of PUCs due to insufficient revenues;
- Impacts of climate change leading to water shortages during summer months;
- The need for improved asset and energy management within PUCs.
The conference provided a platform for discussing solutions to these challenges while aligning the sector with EU directives and best practices.
Conference Highlights and Topics
The topics that were addressed and featured on the panel discussions, presentations, and knowledge exchange sessions, included:
- Change management and ownership of the reform process;
- Strategic planning and financing of water sector projects;
- Energy efficiency and management in public utility companies;
- Non-revenue water management and financial sustainability of PUCs;
- Efficient wastewater treatment plant operations;
- Capacity development and community of practice in the wastewater management sector.
As a way forward, the conference highlighted the importance of sustainable reforms and daily efforts to ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, and environmentally sound water services, reinforced by the message that improving the water services sector will bring long-term benefits for citizens and service users.
