The alliance of four non-governmental organizations (Syri i Vizionit, Communication for Social Development (CSD), EC Ma Ndryshe and Democraci Plus (D+) for the implementation of the program “Active citizenship and responsible municipalities in Kosovo” has carried out research on how the municipalities of Kosovo have responded and how they have faced the situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The data of this research reflects the situation until April 24, 2020.
The research was conducted with an online questionnaire with 22 questions, which was sent to all 38 municipalities of Kosovo. Of these, 32 municipalities have responded, while 6 have not yet provided answers to this research.
The findings of this research lead to the conclusion that the municipalities of Kosovo, taking into account their capacities and budget, have faced relatively well the situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to these findings, the municipalities have had relatively good communication with the central level and with their citizens, who have largely respected the measures of the Government of Kosovo. All of this has influenced the number of infected and fatal cases to be relatively lower compared to the states of the region or even beyond.
However, the main challenges that the municipalities of Kosovo still face are:
– Lack of financial resources from the central level for additional protective equipment in the fight and prevention of the spread of COVID-19;
– Lack of the largest number of tests for suspected cases of COVID-19;
– The increase in the number of families with a difficult economic situation and the increased demands for food and hygiene packages;
– Closure of many private businesses;
– Concerns from the agricultural sector;
– Uncertainty about traffic permits for citizens and businesses from MPBAP;
– Ambiguities about the operation of different types of businesses by MEPTINIS;
– Small number of municipal inspectors.
The recommendations given by this research are:
– The central, local level and civil society should work on the continuous awareness of citizens about the observance of preventive measures and mitigation of the consequences of the pandemic;
– The Government of Kosovo to draft a comprehensive economic package for the private sector;
– More structured coordination and consultation of the Government of Kosovo with the municipalities regarding the protective and preventive measures that will be taken in the future;
– Municipalities activate and functionalize Local Councils for better communication with citizens;
– Municipalities ask for professional help from various organizations and companies in coping with the pandemic situation.
Non-Governmental Organizations: Syri i Vizionit, Communication for Social Development (CSD), EC Ma Ndryshe and Democraci Plus (D+) have formed an alliance for the implementation of the program “Active citizenship and responsible municipalities in Kosovo”, which is supported by Olaf Palme International Center. This program aims at the inclusion and participation of citizens in decision-making.
________________
