The Ombudsperson of Kosovo has expressed concern and disappointment after Mayor of Prishtina Përparim Rama and representatives of the municipality declined a scheduled meeting to discuss the growing waste management crisis in the capital.
The meeting, held Monday, was intended to address serious concerns regarding the management of waste in Prishtina and the public health risks it poses. While the head of the municipal waste company KRM “Pastrimi”, Petrit Reçica, attended the meeting and shared alarming details, the municipal leadership informed organizers at the last minute that they would not participate — citing reasons that the Ombudsperson’s Office has deemed unjustified.
“This refusal is considered a clear sign of disrespect toward the Ombudsperson’s institution and a display of irresponsibility by municipal representatives concerning the interests and grievances of Prishtina’s citizens and the more than 800 employees of Pastrimi,” the Ombudsperson’s statement read.
During the meeting, Reçica presented documentation confirming that an existing municipal regulation — approved by the Prishtina Municipal Assembly — is not being implemented by the local government. He emphasized that this lack of enforcement has brought Pastrimi to the brink of bankruptcy.
The company is currently facing major operational difficulties, including inability to pay workers’ salaries, fuel shortages, and lack of resources — all of which contribute to worsening waste accumulation in the city.
While the Ombudsperson refrained from issuing a final opinion until hearing from the municipality, the office stressed that the Municipality of Prishtina bears the primary responsibility for resolving the issue and ensuring timely, quality public services.
“This situation is already causing harm to both workers and citizens, raising the risk of an epidemic and jeopardizing public health,” the statement added.
“The Ombudsperson will make further attempts in the coming days to meet with the Mayor, aiming to clarify the matter and potentially act as a mediator to resolve the issue.”
