Institutional Support to the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (mesp) and River Basin Authorities cris n° 2008/162-152

2.3Results and achievements

2.3.1Result 1: Water Information System (WIS)

As previously mentioned, a major obstacle for defining a water policy, and planning and optimising water investments was the information gap between existing and needed information. Where data existed, the problem was also the assessment of its reliability because there were no routine validation processes being utilised by water institutions in Kosovo.

Project Result 1 included the setting up, design and transfer of Water Information System tools such as GIS and databases, as well as training to a few WD and HMIK specialists, who have skills or an education background in this field.

A Working Group on water monitoring conducted WIS activities. Members of the Working Group included the responsible officers from the WD, HMIK, KEPA and MH in charge of data acquisition or processing.
The logical steps for the WIS activities were as follows:

• 
  Define the objectives of the WIS by taking into consideration the tasks to be performed and the skill of the users;
  
• 
  Assess in a current status report the gaps between the objectives and the existing data;
  
• 
  Compile the characteristics of the data sets in a data catalogue;
  
• 
  Set up or reinstall databases and GIS systems;
  
• 
  Design of data entry forms for capturing data;
  
• 
  Train staff on computers tools through their use;
  
• 
  Codification of tables for sharing information;
  
• 
  Provide possible future links between databases and other information systems;
  
• 
  Transfer the tools and data sets to the beneficiaries.
  

Work related to Result 1 focused particularly on the assessment of information gaps and the production of GIS products such as maps and metadata. Thus, essential needs for water policy and planning were addressed, especially with regard to provisions of the European Water Directives.

New data was acquired by pilot projects through standard procedures. These were captured in tailor-made databases. Historical data was also transferred accordingly. During study tours to French water institutions, participants were sensitised concerning the importance of good quality data processing and availability.

To increase ownership of the web-based applications the data catalogue of data sources and the web-portal are hosted in the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) at the following URL’s: http://siu.rks-gov.net:9000/portal, and http://siu.rks-gov.net:8080/katinfo. Unfortunately, there were frequent disruptions of the access to these web addresses.

Table : General assessment of the contribution to project objectives

Result 1	Water information system for River Basin Management
Logical framework expected results	Contribution to objective	Risks
An integrated water resource data and information management system of the Drini i Bardhe/Beli Drim, River Basin has been established, functional and tested, including the collection, quality control, processing and storage of relevant sets of data and information.	Several databases and GIS web-based tools have been established and data sets captured. They were designed to respond to the needs and the existing skills in the beneficiary’s institutions, The beneficiary staff gained experience and improve their skills in the use of GIS and databases. The data validation procedures have been initiated.	Practice of using the WIS components properly might not be sufficient. People who have these skills might find better conditions of employment elsewhere and may not be motivated enough for the routine use of these tools.

At the beginning of the Project, objectives were identified to respond to the need for carrying out the following tasks:

• 
  Data acquisition for regular monitoring of surface and groundwater resources according to European Standards;
  
• 
  Water Framework Directive implementation;
  
• 
  Flood Risk Directive implementation;
  
• 
  Permit issuing procedures.
  

The first step of the WIS construction was to propose a general organisation of the data sets including codification. This is important for data sharing between institutions. Links between databases and GIS tools can be facilitated by agreements on codification and data exchange formats. Knowledge on these aspects was transferred to members of the WIS Working Group.

It was reported by the independent monitoring mission taking place in February 2009 that the databases and computer tools provided by different projects to WD and HMIK are not routinely used after a project ends.

This was confirmed by the Project. The use of advanced computer tools in HMIK and WD is limited. Excel knowledge is not satisfying. The individuals being skilled in GIS and databases have an essential role in promoting the ownership of the databases created.

Daily practice of the tools which are operated by end-users should be better supported by WD and HMIK.

It is concluded that WIS skills, the use of databases and a general understanding of functionalities and concepts of WIS improved during the Project. However, in general, the WD and HMIK staff’s skills are insufficient for data analysis, control and validation of data.

Current conditions of employment for professionals able to use advanced tools and check data are not attractive in the WD and HMIK.

As a result of this analysis and assessment of employee skills, it was decided to avoid the complexity of creating a unique database of all water data. To increase the sustainability and facilitate maintenance and update in the future, the Project designed simple, user-friendly GIS and database tools and provided training tailored to the user’s needs. Further developments are necessary as shown in Annex 22.

During the Project’s life-span it was seen that computer security (e.g. firewalls and antivirus software) in the WD, HMIK and the server in the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) was not adequate.

Moreover, backup is not routinely practiced. This results in damage to data sets, which affected the motivation of the staff in charge of these tools and data. The Project has reported on this issue several times, as it hampered the transfer of tools.

A detailed list of achievements compared to ToR and the Inception Report’s requirements is provided in Annex 8.

2.3.2Result 2: Monitoring network programme

1. 
   Progressive approach for WFD implementation
   

A strategy for surface water monitoring of the Drini River Basin was proposed, which seeks to enhance the current surface water monitoring programme and laboratory capacity in two phases:

The first step (Phase I, called the sub basin approach) would result a robust description of the state of surface waters using basic physico-chemical parameters and hydrological observation data (water level and flow). At this stage biological monitoring shall be introduced into the monitoring exercise as they are two of the biological quality elements of relevance of the Water Framework Directive (60/2000/EC) (WFD). This is done in order to gain experience with the field works and to train the methodology for a later stage which is reflected in WFD compliant surface water monitoring. Phase II, involved the shift to a more detailed monitoring approach called WFD compliant approach, which would gradually replace the sub basin approach over time as funds, staff and equipment become available. The conceptual approach proposed is visualised in Figure 2.

Figure Visualisation of the phased monitoring concept in Kosovo, Drini Basin

WFD compliant monitoring considers water bodies as the smallest unit subject to monitoring. For the Drini River Basin alone, approximately 55 surface water bodies were identified. In general, all water bodies that have been classified as “at risk of failing to achieve good status” should be monitored. In other words, the monitoring effort can be reduced if the number of water bodies is kept relatively small.

Organisation of surface water monitoring

In the future, it will be important to coordinate all monitoring activities related to WFD at central level. Regular meetings of experts should be held to ensure consistent implementation of the monitoring. The range of topics results directly from the implementation of the monitoring programmes and can include e.g. applied methodologies, the evaluation of results, overall ecological status assessments, inter-calibration as well as necessary amendments. Working groups should be set up for chemists and for biologists; joint meetings should be held as appropriate.

2. 
   Progressive approach for WFD implementation
   

A working group conducted the activities related to WFD and especially to River Ecology. Two Pilot Projects (PP) were implemented for improving data acquisition in two different priority areas:

• 
  River Ecology (RE) for evaluating the status of water bodies according to WFD requirements was carried out by KEPA, University Biologists and the WFD unit of the WD during summer 2008 in Lumbardhi Peja, and 2009 in Lumbardhi Prizren.
  
• 
  Characterisation of Groundwater No 2 in the Istok region was carried out by WD and HIMK staff during summer of 2009. 99 wells were visited.
  

The data were acquired according to the protocol and procedural steps compatible with Article 5 and Annex II and V of the WFD.

These PP activities were not foreseen in the Project’s ToR and were launched due to very few existing data. It was seen as a good opportunity to implement WFD compatible procedures and to train staff on these.

The PPs were very successful and the partners’ motivation and participation in field data acquisition and analyses was generally high. Some knowledge and tools were also transferred. However, significant data control and analyses tasks still need to be carried out through external support (see Annex 23: Technical Report on Groundwater).

Table : Achievements towards Result 2 objectives on monitoring, and first steps in implementing the WFD

Result 2	Surface and Groundwater Monitoring and water bodies status assessment
Objectives	Contribution to objectives	Comments
The needs for a basin-wide water resources monitoring network programme are assessed, and ToR agreed to expand the existing system for both surface and ground-water. The assessment will include a ground-water data acquisition plan and the terms of reference for a drilling programme.	A strategy for development of WFD monitoring network has been developed. The priority steps for its implementation were tested with pilot projects on ground-water and biology. ToR and documents for drilling monitoring and test boreholes have been prepared. The quality control of laboratory analyses has been improved.	The continuation of groundwater and biological monitoring require high-level support and coordination between WD, HMIK and external support. All these conditions might not be met at the end of the Project. The role of institutions in groundwater and biological monitoring is not clearly defined. The resources for implementing the programme are not secured in the short term. The efforts of the HMIK to improve quality management of the laboratory and hydrological and hydro-chemical analysis have to be closely monitored.

3. 
   Results of Pilot project on River Ecosystem
   

Sampling and analysis of macro-invertebrates protocols have been introduced. The software which was used for WFD inter-calibration exercises was utilised by the Project for calculation of a WFD compatible index. Reference conditions were found in the upper part of Rugova Canyon (they are required for calculating the index with the software). The results of this data processing provided an idea of the status of water bodies on Lumbardhi Peja (5 sites) in 2008 and in Lumbardhi Prizren in 2009 (3 sites) for WFD implementation.

Graph : Status of quality element macro-invertebrates in biological monitoring stations in Lumbardhi Peja (WFD compatible index)

Graph 1 clearly shows the impact of human activities. The biodiversity is very high in the stations of Rugova Canyon (Station 1), but the index decreases even in the mountains. The impact of Peja town is visible: it corresponds to a reduction in the index (between Station 2 and 3). The supply of groundwater into surface water induces the index to increase (Station 4 to Station 5) near the confluence with the Drini River.

Map 1 describes land use in the Lumbardhi Peja River Basin and Map 2 show the location of the biological stations along this river.

Peja town

Irrigated perimeter

Rugova caňon

Map : Land use in the Lumbardhi Peja river basin

Map : Location of biological monitoring station River Lumbardhi Peja

Result 2: Monitoring network programme

Graph : Status of quality element Macro-invertebrates in biological monitoring stations in Lumbardhi Prizren (WFD compatible index)

Graph 2 shows that the human impact of villages (station 2) and of Prizren town (station 3) on aquatic life is very bad. This was confirmed by interviews with the fishing association and by electro-fishing.

Few fish are living in these waters. The quality of the water is also a source of concern for public health (cholera and many other water borne diseases may occur).

Map 3 describes land use in the Lumbardhi Prizrenit River Basin and Map 4 shows the location of the biological stations along this river.
Map : Land use in the Lumbardhi Prizrenit River Basin

Map : Location of biological monitoring stations River Lumbardhi Prizrenit

Follow-on support needs

In order to pursue a smooth implementation of the above-mentioned Surface Water Monitoring Programme, Kosovo appears to be eligible for the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) of the European Commission.

The following topics are suggested for TAIEX support:

1. 
   Analysis of pressures (anthropogenic activities) and impacts
   
2. 
   Development of river typology and reference conditions
   
3. 
   Documentation of monitoring results and reporting
   
4. 
   Sampling of sediments and suspended matter and sample preparations
   
5. 
   Instrumental analysis of hydrocarbons and organ chlorine compounds in sediments and water samples using gas chromatography
   
6. 
   Instrumental analysis of heavy metals in sediments and water samples using atomic absorption spectrometry
   
7. 
   Quality assurance of laboratory assessments
   

4. 
   Results of the Groundwater Pilot Project
   

The overall knowledge of groundwater body 2 notably increased thanks to measurements made during the summer of 2009 in 99 wells, with the participation of the WD and HMIK staff. After the training the staff was able to carry out measurements by themselves. The main characteristics of the alluvial aquifer have been estimated thanks to these measurements.

The values were checked, analysed and processed to produce maps, which provided very valuable information. Two examples are given below. These maps are also visible on the Project’s website (www.kosovo-water.eu) - see Annex 23: Technical Report on Groundwater)

Map 5 shows the circulation of groundwater in the Istok region.

Map : Inferred Groundwater Flow in the Northern part of Drini River Basin (July - August 2009)

Map 6 shows that many wells near Istok have elevated levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), which implies that the water is polluted by human activities. Further investigation of the sources of pollution would be useful.

Map : Distribution of Biological Oxygen Demand in Groundwater Data (July - August 2009 from alluvial groundwater body No 2)

2.3.3Result 3 - Modelling with WEAP for River Basin planning

1. 
   Water demand and water balance estimation
   

Around 25% of the human resources of the Project were devoted to this activity. In the Radoniqi water system, water users are competing for water resources. The situation becomes critical after a long period without sufficient precipitation and inflows in the reservoir. When the level of stored water reduces, restrictions might have to be organised to cover priority demand. Management problems to resolve are then:

• 
  Which users should have priority?
  
• 
  What are the options for water allocation to the competing users?; and
  
• 
  How to optimise water use and allocate it fairly to users?
  

To assess how critical the situation is, the water balance in a sub-basin and a river basin can be calculated by estimating water demand and available water resources. Since precipitation and water demand varies from one year to another, any analyses must take into consideration the hydrological characteristics of the river basin.

2. 
   Selection of the WEAP modelling tool
   

Modelling software designed for river basin management are useful tools to analyse such situations and estimate the water balance. The Project’s ToR requests that the water demand be estimated with the Water Resources Yield Model (WRYM), which was supposed to be established in MESP services. It appeared that MESP was unaware of the existence of a WRYM, and it was not available in the WD.

The modelling tool selected by the Project was the WEAP model developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute's U.S. Centre (http://www.sei-us.org/). It was chosen as it is a very user-friendly model. It can be used free of charge by public institutions. Moreover, its functionality and expected results can be easily explained to stakeholders and water users with its GIS-based interface. It can also be used to build scenarios, identify progressively feasible objectives and develop options for water allocation rules and future investment. WEAP is, therefore, a very useful tool for discussing water shortage risks.

Using the WEAP model, estimates of the water balance and water demand were produced at the Drini River Basin and Radoniqi level for the whole year and for a dry season.

3. 
   Baseline hydrological assessment of historical data
   

Between 9 and 28 June, 2008, the Basin Hydrologist (SSE 3-1) carried out an in-depth hydrological data quality assessment. 35 years of both daily and monthly data series, with a variable degree of completion, were considered. Analyses involved standard frequency statistical analysis and mapping.

4. 
   Water Balance input data assessment
   

The Project has established a methodology for the estimation of a water balance for the Drini I Bardhe River Basin, which is also applicable to the whole Kosovo area. This was done in three inter-related steps:

1. 
   A global water balance of the Drini I Bardhe River Basin was established;
   
2. 
   Setting out a flow mass-balance taking account of annual mean inflows to and outflows from the tributaries. The latter contribute to the flow measured in Drini I Bardhe’s main river.
   
3. 
   Estimating a naturalised flow mass-balance taking account of monthly mean inflows to and outflows from the river’s tributaries.
   

Overall, the annual mean precipitation (P) for the Drini I Bardhe River Basin was estimated to be 934 mm. This is a weighted mean, calculated from twelve stations representing an area of 4,132 km², which is more than 90% of the total area of the basin. Uncertainty and unavailability of reliable climatic data from the mountainous areas made it impossible to separate precipitation into rain and snow.

Groundwater investigations in Northern Kosovo lead to a groundwater recharge estimate of 149 mm (16% of precipitation; refer to the Hydrogeology Report). River flow along the main tributaries of Drini I Bardhe amounts to 413 mm. It is implied that springs contribute some 46 mm. If we apply component results to the above described water balance equation, actual evapotranspiration is calculated to be 419 mm. Compared to this estimate, potential evapotranspiration ranges between 500 and 650 mm, depending on which formula is used.

Figure : Global water balance of the Drini I Bardhe River Basin

The development of a mass-balance for the entire territory of Kosovo could be performed by applying the methodology developed by the Project for the Drini River Basin. It would, however, involve a substantial effort from the staff involved in such a task for data acquisition and processing because data and other relevant information are not readily available. Outsourcing and external assistance will be needed for the proper use of the WEAP modelling tool in other zones or river basins.

5. 
   Stakeholders involvement for water allocation at sub-basin level
   

A working group was organised to conduct a Pilot Project on the Decani River-Basin and the Radniqi Lake water system to test the WEAP methodology.

Stakeholders, such as water users and planners were involved in the WEAP model utilisation process. The participants to Project training workshops were representatives of water supply and irrigation companies, municipality services, the WD and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Through several workshops and field visits in the pilot project zone, participants became familiar with the water issues and the methodology developed with the model.

They gained an understanding on how the WEAP model could be used to define reasonable options for water allocation and they took part in discussions about management options resulting from scenario analyses.

Awareness on the need to protect the river ecosystem by securing an Environmental Minimal Flow (E-flows) was raised. All stakeholders appeared agreeable with the E-flow concept, which implies that at each water abstraction / diversion point, a fraction of flow has to be left in the river. Analyses using WEAP modelling unveiled that the introduction of E-flows in combination with ambitious irrigation developments and increased water needs for domestic use may pose significant water supply shortages for irrigation and drinking water.

While the irrigation systems linked to storage enjoy a rather comfortable position, this could not be said about the irrigation systems which are located upstream on the Decan River. Annual variations of river flows would result in a significant water supply risk.

A manual explaining the methodology has been prepared. The idea is to facilitate the replication of methodologies in other areas.

6. 
   Data acquisition for improving the model inputs
   

Uncertainty of important inputs in the WEAP model for water allocation in Radoniqi water system had to be reduced. This is why the Project developed methodologies for data acquisition.

In 2008, GIS data on irrigation perimeters were acquired and checked with the collaboration of irrigation companies. This information clearly showed that the area currently serviced by the irrigation companies is only half of what could be irrigated (see Table 4). The exercise also shows that much of the projected area has been subject to land use change.

Table : Summary information on irrigable area and actual irrigated area in the Drini I Bardhe River Basin given by sub-basin

Scheme -Sub basin	Irrigable (ha)	Irrigated (ha)
Lumbardhi i Deçanit	1 962	1 850
Lumbardhi i Lloqanit	714	385
Lumi i Istokut	2 404	540
Lumi Vrellush	892	90
Lumi Lumbardhi i Pejes	7 710	3 500
Drin ii Bardhë	1 893	990
Liqenit i Radoniqit	5 306	4 380
Lumbardhi i Prizerenit	3 734	1 090
Total	24 615	12 825

In 2009, measurements were performed to better estimate water losses in canals and pipes in the irrigation schemes (see QR6, Annex 15). These measurements contributed to an improvement in the quality of the inputs and outputs of the WEAP model. Measurements for the calculation of the Environment Minimum Flow (E-flow) with the EstimHab Method were also carried out. However, additional measurements in high-water conditions are necessary for E-flow calculations.

7. 
   General assessment of achievements
   

The Project’s achievements and comments for continuation of the WEAP model in the future are provided in Table 5.

Table : Project contribution to objectives for the WEAP modelling aimed at River Basin planning

Result 3	Modelling with WEAP for river basin planning
Objectives	Contribution	Risks
A modelling toolbox is readily available and used as a practical means for water resource assessment (water balance) and water demand estimation of the Drini i Bardhe/Beli Drim River Basin. The toolbox will be pilot-tested before it is up-scaled to the basin level.	The WEAP model was set up to calibrate and generate inputs with old hydrological data. These were used to estimate the water balance and water demand. Data were acquired for an irrigation area, irrigation system losses and for E-flow estimation. A consultation process was set up, which led to the elaboration of a tentative management plan.	One concern is that no hydrological data are validated for recent periods. This will be a handicap for the accuracy of the model in the future. Many assumptions have been made but the model proved useful. External support is still needed for data control and result analysis.

8. 
   Water Management Plan for the Decani - Radoniqi water system
   

At the request of the Drini River Basin Coordination Unit, the Project prepared the main elements of a management plan for the Decani Radoniqi water system (pilot zone). These were in addition to the outputs required to be delivered under the Project ToR. This plan will be an additional output of the Project that can be used for implementing management measures, especially for fair and rational issuance of permits.

In October 2009, a four-day planning workshop was organised at the premises of the Drin I Bardhe River Basin Coordination Unit, Gjakova. The workshop identified the main components of the Plan. These included goals and objectives for the management of the water system, and proposals for rules and strategies that will ensure that objectives will be met.

2.3.4Result 4a - Flood risk planning

A European Flood Risk Directive was promulgated in 2007. For Kosovo’s accession to the European Union, flood risk mapping and planning has to be in line with its requirement and standards

1. 
   General methodology
   

During the Project’s Inception period, it was proposed to concentrate the mapping of flood risks on a small area. This approach provided an opportunity to test the methodology and to produce a sufficiently detailed map of risks in three classes (high, moderate and low), as required by the Flood Risk Directive. Only a detailed map is useful for urban planning.

A second step was regarded as essential, i.e. to describe the experience gained during the risk mapping and the presentation of the results to the town planers. A manual has been produced. It provided details on the methodology. It will be very useful to facilitate the replication of the method in other flooding zones.

The third step was to provide guidance for replication of the methodology and describe the measures for flood risk management in the Drini River Basin in a general Flood Plan.

2. 
   Mapping the risk at Drini Basin level
   

Flood risk hot spots have been mapped using different indicators, such as historical records and hydro-morphological methods.

Map : Hot spots for flood risk in Drini i Bardhe River Basin

Map 7 shows several flood hot spots identified through a basin-level flood risk assessment of 1 in 10 year return periods.

With a flow rate of 453 m³/s, the Ereniku River shows the highest theoretical maximum of all tributaries in the Drini I Bardhe River. As a result, the town of Gjakova has a high flooding risk.

This flow (79%) is close to the theoretical maximum obtained for the mainstream station at Kapuz, which represents the total accumulated flow of the upper Drini I Bardhe, Istok, Kline, Peja and Mirusha

Table : Daily maximum flow rate for a ten-year return period

Table 6 shows the daily maximum flow in the different monitoring station of the Drini i Bardhe River Basin for a period of return of ten years. Hydrological information and the methods used can be found in the hydrological report (See Annex 19: Drini River Basin Characteristics – Hydrology).

3. 
   Selection of the pilot zone
   

The project selected the town of Skenderaj as a pilot zone due to repeated flooding of houses and a school. The damage in the flooding zone had increased after the construction of a road crossing the flooding zone.

4. 
   Detailed map of the risk in the Skenderaj flood zone
   

Legend:

High risk

Moderate risk

Low risk

OASIS model from BRL Ingénierie was used to map the flood risks in the pilot zone.

This model combines various functions: topographic data processing, hydraulic modelling and GIS automatic mapping. Topographic data were acquired through a detail survey.

Map : Flood risk maps – town of Skenderaj (October 2009 – BRL)

It should be noted that for a correct data processing with the model requires long experience, which cannot be transferred in a short time frame. To carry on flood risks mapping in other zones will require specialised external support.

5. 
   Formulate an Indicative Flood Management Plan for the Drini i Bardhe Basin
   

To formulate an Indicative Flood Risk Management Plan, the Project method was to combine the pilot flood risk assessment at a detailed scale with the general assessment of hydrological flood risks at the basin scale. A general flood risk management plan describes the following measures:

- Non-structural measures including: (i) regulation of human activities in the zone with high and moderate risk to prevent damage, (ii) increase the degree of peoples’ preparedness to prevent and reduce damage to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activities.

- Structural measures including: (i) the maintenance and/or restoration of floodplains, (i) levees and other structure to protect up to a limit the inhabitations and infrastructure in the flooding zone.

Such a plan should be periodically reviewed and, if necessary, updated taking into account the likely impacts of climate change on the occurrence of floods.

6. 
   General assessment of the achievement
   

Table : Project contribution to objectives for flood risk planning

Result 4a	Flood risk planning
Objectives	Contribution	Comments
The planning capability of the WD/RBDAs is significantly enhanced through the production of a flood risk map at basin level supported by GIS-based modelling and publicly available historical satellite images. Flood risk hot spots are identified and one chosen for the development of a pilot flood management plan at sub-basin level.	The flood risk map produced was discussed and the awareness on the need to produce such map before investing and deciding on urban planning has been raised. The methodology developed has been described in a manual. It can be used in other flooding zones but the support of a flood risk expert is necessary.	There is the risk that urban plan and private owners overlook the flood risks. This might cause avoidable damage one day. The continuation and the application of the method required highly qualified specialist and accurate topographic data. If this support is secure, replication can be achieved in the hot spots identified.

Additional information can be found in the following documents:

• 
  Annex 11 Manual on hydrology
  
• 
  Annex 12 Manual on flood risk mapping
  
• 
  Annex 24 Technical Report on Drini River Basin Hydrology
  
• 
  Annex 27 Flood risk report on the flooding zone of Skenderaj
  
• 
  Annex 28 Flood risk management Plan for Drini River Basin
  

2.3.5Result 4b: Water Supply and Sanitation Investment Plan

It was decided in July 2008 to prepare ToR for a Water Supply and Wastewater (WSS) investment plan. The focus on investment responds to the need of donors in the water sector.

The WSS investment plan has been submitted to ECLO in the QR6. It takes into account the comments collected during the donor meeting in January 2009, especially the possibility of creating a credit facility.

Table : Project contribution regarding Water Supply and Sanitation Investment Plan

Result 4b	Term of reference for Water supply and Sanitation Investment plan
Objectives	Contribution	Comments
The Terms of Reference for an Urban Wastewater Master Plan of KOSOVË/ KOSOVO are drafted, based on an assessment of key issues, existing plans and strategies. Priority needs on national and basin level will be taken into account and a participatory planning approach proposed	The need for a WSS investment plan has been well recognised by donors. The ToR provided objectives and tasks for the development of the WSS investment plan, including the possibility to use the most suitable technology. Emphasis has been on setting up a facility and a process for project financing.	The coordination of action between donors is difficult as each of them have their own planning instruments. Donors stressed that technology should be carefully selected and take into account maintenance issues.

2.3.6Result 5: Legislation and institution: support to River Basin District Authorities (RBDAs)

1. 
   The 2004 water law requirements - links to WFD
   

The legislation and institution improvement is of particular importance. However, in the ToR the tasks for these activities were not well developed.

In the inception period, this issue was discussed with the WD during a meeting. An institutional study was carried out by Wilfried HUNDERTMARK and the project team proposed additional outputs for Result 5.

The establishment of RBDAs is required by the 2004 law. Water planning institutions on river basin territory facilitate the consultation of stakeholders and municipalities as well as the coordination of efforts. It is helpful for the production of a management plan and the implementation of a programme of measures as per Water Framework Directive.

An administrative unit part of WD, based in Gjakova is organised at Drini River Basin level. The other three Kosovo Sub-River Basins are regrouped in a basin unit. This unit is not staffed.

2. 
   Weak political support to the RBDA establishment
   

Soon after the Project had commenced in January 2008, discussions were held on high level of MESP concerning the establishment of River Basin District Authorities. It was confirmed that support of two separate River Basin District Authorities had been modest in the past. Doubts had been raised regarding the needs and value-added of such institutions.
Indeed, it was felt that water issues in Kosovo should be managed within the framework of the existing administration without an additional administration and bureaucracy layer. Another argument was that the establishment of two geographically separated entities might generate additional costs.

3. 
   Project contributions to legal and institutional aspects
   

The project submitted a proposal to the MESP in June 2009 and presented two options for the organisation of river basin based units including the human resource required and the role of this institution. These options are as follows:

1. 
   A semi-autonomous authority headed by a CEO and governed by a board of directors from competent institutions;
   
2. 
   A line agency headed by a Deputy Director and governed by MESP in collaboration with stakeholders from the Drini River district.
   

A draft subsidiary act has also been produced to provide a legal basis to these units.

In early 2009, a new Director was nominated to lead the Water Department of MESP. One of his priority tasks was to form a ministerial working group for the review of the 2004 Kosovo Water Law. This was in accordance with the Government’s desire to amend the legislation to the new status of Kosovo. The working group began its work rapidly, however, initially without a direct involvement of the Project.

The establishment of river basin administrative units has become very unclear as the 2009 draft water law included a new option for the setting of River basin administrative units.

The MESP regarded the June project proposal as interesting for the future, but no decision to staff has been taken to establish new units.

The project also contributed to legislation improvement by providing guidance in the elaboration of consistent legal texts in the field of water resource management. It was pointed out that an important work was needed to simplify the 2009 draft law in order to facilitate its enforcement.

The Water Law should better approximate the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and be consistent with other laws especially in the field of the environment. Additional more detailed work was carried out by REC in this connection.

4. 
   General assessment of project contribution
   

Table : Project contribution regarding Legislation-Institution

Objectives	Contribution	Risks
The Water Department will receive assistance with regard to the preparation of the administrative instruction on procedures, content and structure of River Basin District Authorities. Members of the Drini i Bardhe/Beli Drim River Basin Organisation are actively supported in the effective fulfilment of their functions.	Clarification of the human resources needed and proposals regarding the function and development of river basin units. Recommendations for producing better and more consistent legal texts properly approximating EU Water Directives.	Kosovo is a small country. Centralisation trends might prevail. It will require time to develop units able to carry out river basin management functions.

2.3.7Result 6: Training & capacity-building

Training activities have been reported in the Results 1-5, they included:

- Specific training courses in ArcGIS, on WISKI software;

- Workshops to present the results of specific activities and discuss about a particular methodology;

- Training on the use of software or computer tools, which was developed or used by the project: data catalogue, web-portal, WEAP model, water body and monitoring database, GIS-SqL permit database;

- On-the-job training on measurements, quality management procedures, recording, data analyses and processing etc.;

The Project assessed the training needs through questionnaires. A training plan was prepared on the basis of the training need identified.

Two types of Manuals have been produced:

1. 
   Methodological manuals, which describe steps, equipment, methods and procedures for measurements, water body status evaluation, data processing, validation process etc.
   
2. 
   User manuals for computer tools
   

Annex 29 provides a list of the manuals produced. The details regarding the training activities and the participants to these activities are given in a table of Annex 8.

Study tour to Nancy: as the quality management of measurements and laboratory analysis is a major issue in Kosovo, a study tour was organised on this topic in March 2009. The HMIK laboratory staff benefited from training in the private laboratory of the Institute Pasteur de Lille located near Nancy. The training focused, in particular, on sampling, traceability and validation methods.

The quality management process was further developed in the HMIK laboratory in close collaboration with a quality management expert.

Study tour to Nimes: in mid-June, a one-week study tour to Nimes was a good opportunity for the HIMK trainees to learn about hydrological, minimum biologic with EstimHab method and flood risks methods, procedure and tasks. The training was with French public and private services in the use of meteorological and hydrological data.

Study tour to Bulgaria: a study tour on institutional aspects to Bulgaria was carried out from 27 September until 01 October, 2009. Following an initial meeting with the Director of the River Basin Directorate at the Ministry of Environment and Water in Sofia, the ten professionals spent two days at the Danube River Basin Directorate in Pleven. The Directorate had made a significant preparation effort, and thus the visit was a full success. The delegation met with members of the River Basin Council and visited the Pilot Gorna Oryahovitsa Waste Water Treatment Plant. Key discussions focused on the integration of EU WFD compliance and water sector development project management.

Table : Project contribution regarding training aspects

Objectives	Contribution	Risks
Staff of the Water Department and River Basin District Authorities and other Project partners is adequately trained and familiar with their specific job requirements. Key training areas include the legal needs (according to international and EU principles and legislation in force in KOSOVË / KOSOVO), institutional arrangements for water resource planning and administration in KOSOVË / KOSOVO, and the use of participative facilitation, analysis and communication tools.	Noticeable achievements have been reached. The WD and HMIK staff has been trained in new methods and procedures. The training focused on methodologies, protocols for data acquisition, measurements in the field, recording the measurements data on standard forms, capturing them in computers. Staff’s skills on these aspects have improved.	Other tasks, such as data checking, data analyses and the meaningful use of data and information from different sources for water management are requiring further qualifications and experience. Some tasks could be outsourced in the coming years. In the future there is a training need of administrative staff in outsourcing work and monitoring technical contracts.