WRIPS is more than a technical document. It is a strategic foundation that integrates hydrogeological mapping, surface and groundwater assessments, water quality analysis, consumption trends, and hydro-economic modeling—all to guide water planning, security, and sustainable investments in Kosovo.

Experts presented advanced findings across the full spectrum of water resources: from infrastructure condition assessments and spatial knowledge systems to snowmelt modeling, groundwater mapping, environmental impact analysis, and the hydro-economic investment framework.

A country that understands its water resources can protect them, manage them wisely, and invest in them with confidence.
WRIPS gives Kosovo exactly that foundation.

We thank all presenters, participants, and partners for their commitment to shaping a secure water future for Kosovo.

#WRIPS #WaterSecurity #Kosovo #WaterResources #FLOWS #MESP

The main objectives include the development of infrastructure for water storage and accumulation during periods of surplus, as well as raising community awareness on sustainable water use.

Key activities involve the construction of a 10x10x3 meter water reservoir, establishment of a water collection system for natural sources, drilling of a well, and installation of water supply equipment.

Expected results include increased efficiency in water use, improved environmental and ecosystem protection, enhanced community awareness, and strengthened food security. The project is also expected to reduce the impact of extreme conditions such as droughts and floods, thereby increasing the resilience of the local community.

The project covers the inventory of water infrastructure across all municipalities of Kosovo, aiming to build the national digital registry of small dams and weirs across 4 major river basins. The project has a duration of 8 months.

The meeting presented the work completed during the inception phase:

– Inception Package D1 – technical methodology, GIS standards and field survey instruments finalized
– Workshop 1 – field team training, conducted ahead of today’s meeting

Next step: the launch of field surveys across all municipalities of Kosovo.

As a first step in this process, international experts have been engaged, supported by local experts, with the aim of assessing the current situation, identifying the underlying causes, and developing short- and long-term technical solutions.

Institutional meetings and cross-sector coordination

The expert team began its mission with official meetings with the Deputy Minister of Economy and his staff, as well as representatives of Regional Water Company Prishtina (RWC Prishtina), where current concerns, technical challenges, and expectations from the process were discussed.

These meetings served as a basis for institutional coordination and for defining immediate priorities in addressing the issue.

Field visits and system assessment

Subsequently, together with the teams from RWC Prishtina, detailed field visits were carried out, starting at the Badovc Drinking Water Treatment Plant, and continuing with visits to:

• the Badovc dam,

• watercourses and inflows that supply Lake Badovc.

These visits enabled a practical assessment of the condition of the infrastructure, water treatment processes, and the natural and environmental factors affecting water quality.

Data exchange and cooperation with relevant institutions

The first phase of the mission concluded with technical working meetings and exchange of data and information with several key institutions, including:

• RWC Prishtina

• River Basin District Authority

• Environmental Protection Agency

• Hydrometeorological Institute

• National Institute of Public Health

This inter-institutional cooperation aims to ensure a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to addressing the issue.

Next steps

In the next phase, the process will be followed by additional meetings with:

• the Geological Survey,

• the Municipality of Pristina, regarding development plans within the Badovc catchment area,

• and other relevant institutions.

In March, the expert team’s report is expected, including:

• key findings,

• technical analyses,

• and concrete technical proposals to address the manganese issue in Lake Badovc.

This process represents an important step toward ensuring the sustainable quality of drinking water, protecting public health, and strengthening the long-term management of water resources.

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

Country – Republic of Kosovo

Name Of Project– Fostering and Leveraging Opportunities for Water Security Project (FLOWS)

Assigment Title: Dam Safety Regulatory Framework and Capacity Establishment (FLOWS 2 Preparation Grant)

IDA Credit No. IDA-E5310

Project ID No. P182047

Reference number: FLOWS-CS-QCBS-G01

Issued on: January 8, 2026

The International Development Association (IDA) has approved a preparation grant under the “Fostering and Leveraging Opportunities for Water Security in Kosovo Program, Phase 2 (FLOWS 2).” The grant finances the establishment of a complete, enforceable dam-safety regulatory framework for Kosovo and the institutional capacity to implement it. Environmental and Social (E&S) work is limited to regulatory elements (standards, procedures, and templates) necessary for the regulator to oversee dam safety in line with the World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) and good international practice. The grant requires adherence to the ESSs and delivery of the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) actions pertinent to regulatory oversight.

This grant builds on the ongoing FLOWS dam safety and management component and will not repeat those technical studies. It will also not undertake the project-specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) accompanying the detailed design of the Kamenica Dam financed under FLOWS 1. As FLOWS 2 is expected to finance construction. the focus here is regulation, institutionalization, and capacity for the national regulator.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include technical assistance for regulation, institutionalization, and capacity for the national regulator.

The objectives of the assignment are:

• Draft, consult on, and finalize Kosovo’s dam-safety regulatory framework (primary/secondary legislation as applicable), aligned with international good practice.
• Design and institutionalize risk-based dam classification, inspection and compliance protocols, emergency preparedness and response procedures, data/reporting standards, and enforcement mechanisms.
• Build practical capacity (people, processes, tools) in the proposed regulator and relevant agencies to operationalize and sustain the framework.

The estimated level of effort is 355 working days necessary to carry out the respective tasks/assignment for key experts together.

The Consultant shall perform the services from April 2026 until February 2027 (ten months from the contract signing date)

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest and can be obtained from the following link: FLOWS 2_Grant_ToR – Dam Regulatory Framework  (Please select link and press Ctrl and click- and go to the link and open)

The Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The shortlisting criteria are:

The Consultant is expected to fulfill the following minimum requirements:

• At least two assignments completed in the last 7 years on establishing dam-safety regulatory frameworks or national technical regulations.
• At least two assignments with risk-based dam classification/inspection systems and EPP oversight, completed in the last 7 years.
• Experience designing regulator data/reporting systems.
• Demonstrated capacity and experience to deliver legal drafting (admin/secondary legislation) in civil-law contexts.
• Proven training and change-management delivery experience for public regulators.

Successful Consultant must register in Kosovo as a condition for contract signature according to the legislation, or in case of a consortium, at least one of the members of the consortium must be registered in Kosovo.

Selection process will be based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated track record of consulting services in the required fields………………. (50%)
• Number of similar contracts implemented in the last 10 years………………………….. (40%)
• Availability of qualified staff within the Consultants’ in-house personnel ……..… (10%)

Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage. Therefore, their CVs are not required at this stage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, revised November 2017 and Aug 2018 for the supply of goods, works, and non-consulting and consulting services setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 08:00 to 16:00 hours (Monday to Friday).

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail) by February 06, 2026.

Project Management Team (PMT)

Fostering and Leveraging Opportunities for Water Security Project (FLOWS)

Prishtina, Kosovo

Atten.: Vigan Syla, Project manager

e-mail: vsyla.flows@gmail.com

1. Majlinda Pruthi, Procurement specialist

e-mail: majlindap.flows@gmail.com