Avdullah Hoti, an official from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), has raised concerns regarding increased water and sewage tariffs that have taken effect in early 2026. He highlighted significant hikes in the region of Pristina, where household water tariffs have risen by 43.85%, while business tariffs have seen an increase of 40.01%. Despite these increases, Hoti emphasized that the quality and reliability of water supply have not substantially improved. He pointed out that water loss in the network remains alarmingly high, and water utilities continue to face substantial audit issues.
One of the key criticisms Hoti raised is that consumers are now paying for the treatment of wastewater, even though this water is not being treated and is instead being discharged directly into rivers. This raises serious environmental concerns, as untreated wastewater poses risks to public health and local ecosystems. Adding to the financial burdens, residents and businesses can expect an upcoming examination of another potential increase in electricity rates by April, alongside a significant hike in property taxes for businesses this year.
Hoti’s statements have sparked a debate about the adequacy and fairness of the current tariff structure, which seems to place a heavy financial burden on citizens without delivering corresponding improvements in service quality. As he expressed on Facebook, the increases in tariffs do not align with the expected enhancements in service delivery, prompting many to question the accountability of water supply companies. The situation raises broader questions about governance and infrastructure development in Kosovo, particularly in light of recurrent issues affecting essential services like water and energy.
In conclusion, Avdullah Hoti’s remarks underline a pressing challenge facing Kosovo as it grapples with rising utility costs while striving to improve public services and environmental standards. The need for accountability and transparent practices in the management of water resources has never been more critical, especially with the threat of further hikes in living costs looming on the horizon.
