Kosovo authorities continued yesterday and today with the takeover of facilities that have until now operated within the Serbian system. They assumed control of the regional waterworks, including the pumping station in Suvi Do, installed new management, put up official signage, and ordered employees of the Serbian-run company to vacate the premises.
The operation has since expanded to include the closure of the local institution for sports, youth, and specialized services, which was also funded by Serbia.
President of the Srpska Lista party, Zlatan Elek, voiced concern over water access for civilians and critical infrastructures such as the Clinical Hospital Center (KBC) in North Mitrovica, health centers, schools, and preschools.
On the other side, Bashkim Kurti, Director of ‘Ibar Waterwork,’ assured the media that water distribution would remain uninterrupted.
Serbian List’s Emergency Address
In response, Srpska lista held an emergency press conference at its headquarters in North Mitrovica. Its party leaders blamed Kosovo’s outgoing Prime Minister. Elek accused Albin Kurti of targeting Serbian institutions in the north due to his inability to form a government in Pristina, channeling frustrations into assertive measures against northern municipalities.
„In the 21st century, the basic right to life is under threat,“ Elek emphasized, highlighting the critical nature of water access.
Doubts Over Southern Management Capabilities
A core concern expressed by Serbian officials is the capability of southern Kosovo’s authorities to manage the complex water systems in the north.
According to Elek, southern authorities lack both the expertise and the jurisdiction to effectively operate northern water infrastructure.
„We have our own director, and we need guarantees from Mr. Vučinić. I have said before, and I say again, we as citizens do not trust a water supply run by Albanians because we believe they do not have the capacity to manage such a system,“ Elek declared.
Regional Water Supply: A Complex System
Igor Simić, a senior member of Srpska lista, described the regional water supply as a „complex system,“ stating that it requires specialized expertise—those who participated in the construction of the regional water network. He accused southern authorities of lacking the technical skills necessary for proper management.
Simić also raised allegations of ethnic discrimination, suggesting that southern water authorities had previously cut off water to northern municipalities during religious holidays as a form of „punitive expedition.“
He contrasted this with water management in the north, which, according to him, has always served all communities fairly.
International Response and Srpska lista’s Appeal
Zlatan Elek confirmed that Serbian officials have been in continuous communication with international representatives since the takeover began, including members of the Quint Group, the United States, KFOR, and OSCE. However, Elek criticized the international community for its lack of response, describing it as part of a familiar pattern of indifference.
„Unfortunately, we have no one to negotiate with. There is no dialogue with the authorities in Pristina; they refuse to engage. They have chosen unilateral moves, and, sadly, the international community turns a blind eye,“ Elek remarked. He urged Quint states to intervene and mediate the escalating tensions.
Water Supply in Mitrovica and Zvecan to Continue Uninterrupted, Says Kurti
On the other side, Bashkim Kurti, Director of ‘Ibar Waterwork,’ assured the media that water distribution would remain uninterrupted.
„We saw some statements yesterday expressing that citizens are afraid, but we have been supplying Mitrovica and Zvecan with water for 26 years, since the war. We’ve never had any problems, and we won’t have any now. We are the only company licensed to operate, and we have a contract with the municipality to supply water to the citizens. That responsibility falls to us. The colleagues who have been doing this work so far can transfer to our company, but only through the job competition,“ Kurti emphasized.
Kurti emphasized that the water supply remains the primary concern, not politics, and that all interested individuals, including those previously employed under the Serbian system, can apply for positions once the competition is announced. He also noted that former employees will have an advantage in the hiring process, though the current workforce exceeds operational needs.
Following the takeover of the “Ibar Waterworks” public utility by the Regional Waterworks Directorate “Mitrovica,” a job competition for new positions is expected to be announced by Friday, according to Bashkim Kurti.
In Mitrovica, there are around 80 employees, while Leposavić and Zubin Potok each have about 50, including both water and sanitation workers. Kurti clarified that sanitation workers will be handled by the municipality, and only those employed in the water sector will transition through the new competition process.
Water Supply Infrastructure in Northern Kosovo
Northern Mitrovica and Zvecan receive water from the Sipolje plant, with additional supplies coming from the regional water pipeline funded by Serbia and operational since 2019. Initially, the pipeline from Gazivode delivered 150 liters per second, divided among North Mitrovica, Zvecan, and Zubin Potok. However, concerns remain over whether this capacity is sufficient for the needs of all three municipalities.
Water distribution has long been a point of contention, with Serbian officials pointing to a 20% loss on the network and chronic power outages impacting supply. Meanwhile, the water treatment plant in South Mitrovica has ramped up capacity from 450 to 1,000 liters per second.
Leposavic, notably, is not connected to the Sipolje or regional water network, relying on its own local water sources. However, all four northern municipalities have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Sipolje plant, making it the only Kosovo-licensed provider in the region.
Kosovo Authorities Close Serbian Sports Institution in North Mitrovica
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