Skopje, 19 June 2024 (MIA) – Continued investment cycle in the water distribution network is an imperative in the fight to cut water losses from spring to glass, which is over 60 percent across the country, according to 2023 data, it was noted Wednesday at the 32nd General Assembly of the European Water Regulators (WAREG), held in Skopje. 

The country records one of the highest losses in the region, stressed Marko Bislimovski, President of the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission (ERC).

“In Macedonia, water losses nationwide are around 62-63 percent. We, the regulatory commission, have said we’re not shying away from taking responsibility and we’re prepared to define the final price for all water services having in mind our experience in energy. We guarantee we’ll improve the companies’ efficiency, allow more investments as a way to cut down water losses at state level without causing price shock,” Bislimoski told members of the media. 

It’s key, he said, to secure a price, which will allow the enterprises to develop, to be affordable and acceptable for end uses and the regulator to take over the responsibility for forming the end price. 

WAREG brings together 35 regulatory bodies that follow the water sector and provide protection of over 400 million consumers.

Its mission is to align the actions of the European regulatory bodies by stimulating proactive cooperation, sharing of knowledge, experiences and good practices as well as other activities aimed to build the capacities of the members, said WAREG President Andrea Guerrini. 

“The role of economic regulators is crucial in providing financial stability of the sector and in implementing the necessary capital investments for innovations as well as to implement EU environmental standards in the sector,” said Guerrini. 

Photo and video: MIA