Former pilot municipal units operate successfully despite challenges, says OSCE Mission in Kosovo assessment
PRISHTINE/PRISTINA, 19 March 2010 - The municipalities of Hani i Elezit/Deneral Jankovic, Junik/Junik and Mamusa/Mamushe/Mamusa have so far operated without major difficulties but strengthening the independence of the legislative branch and the capacities of some departments as well as language law compliance remain priorities, found an OSCE Mission in Kosovo assessment presented today.
The report is based on field research and analysis undertaken by OSCE field staff members on the performance of the former pilot municipal units after their conversion into fully-fledged municipalities, from August 2008 to August 2009. It offers recommendations to local and central-level actors as well as to the international community on how to improve identified shortcomings.
The report addresses municipal scope and competences, financial management and the performance of the legislative and executive branches, as well as the institutional relations of the three municipalities. It notes that the transfer of competencies is almost complete and relations with other municipalities are relatively unproblematic.
It highlights that the efficiency and independence of the legislative branch should be further improved. Additionally, there is a need to strengthen the capacities of the departments of cadastre, geodesy and urban planning as well as for better compliance with the legislation on use of languages.
"As the municipalities continue to gain experience in managing their own affairs, improving infrastructure and providing services to residents, they will further develop their capacities to respond to bigger challenges," said Ambassador Werner Almhofer, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo will sponsor three capacity-building workshops for the municipalities to target gaps in the areas of transparency, public participation and economic development. It is expected that the municipalities will take ownership of their continued capacity building and improve inter-municipal co-operation.
The former pilot municipal units of Hani Elezit/Deneral Jankovic, Junik/Junik and Mamusa/Mamushe/Mamusa were established in July 2005, implementing UNMIK Regulation 2000/45 promulgated by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Kosovo. In August 2008, these pilot municipal units were converted into fully-fledged municipalities.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo encourages compliance with the principles of good governance in municipalities Kosovo-wide, in line with the European Charter on Local Self-Government.