Study on the conditions in the rural communities

8/9/2019 Study on the conditions in the rural communities

1/81


2/81

PublisherMacedonian Center for International Cooperation

For the publisherSaso KlekovskiExecutive Director

AuthorsNatasa Gaber-DamjanoskaKlime BabunskiAneta Jovevska

Project TeamDimce MitreskiMiodrag KolicNeda Maleska-Sacmaroska

Proof-readDaniel Medaroski

Design and PrepressKoma lab. Skopje

Printing houseBoro Graka, Skopje

Skopje, October 2007

This report has been produced thanks to the nancial support of EED-Germany.

The opinions expressed herein belong to the authors and do not reect neither theopinions of the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation nor those of EED-

Germany.

Copyright 2007 Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC), Skopje. Allrights reserved.

CIP Katalogizacija vo publikacija

Nacionalna i univerzitetska biblioteka Sv. Kliment Ohridski.Skopje

352:316.334.55(497.7)2006

GABER Damjanovska, Nataa

Study on the conditions in the rural communities : 13 fokus communities wherein MCICconducts its activities / [author Nataa Gaber-Damjanovska, Klime Babunski, Aneta Jovevska ;project team Dimce Mitreski, Miodrag Kolic, Neda Maleska-Sacmaroska], - Skopje ; MacedonionCenter for Internacional Cooperation, 2007, - 80 str. ; ilustr. ; 25 sm

Fusnoti kon tekstot

ISBN 978-9989-102-56-1

1. Babunski, Klime [avtor] 2. Jovevska, Aneta [avtor]

a) Op{tini, selski Makedonija 2006

COBISS.MK-ID 71002122


3/81

Contents

444

PREFACE

Abbreviations

1. Executive summary

2. Introduction

2.1 Background

2.2 Goals

2.3 Methodology and approach

3. Statistical data on the focus communities

4. Conditions in the municipalities

4.1 Development initiatives (projects, programmes) which are realized in themunicipalities

4.2 Advantages of municipalities

4.3 Disadvantages of municipalities

4.4 Regional problems

4.5 Role of the municipality in overcoming problems

4.6 Vision for development of the community

4.7 The role of the local community in the municipality

4.8 The process of decentralization has (not) lead to improvement of the work ofthe municipality

5. Degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the serviceproviders

5.1 Public utility enterprise

5.2 Water supply and sewerage

5.3 Road network and transportation

5.4 Power supplies and PTT services

5.5 Educational services

5.6 Health services

5.7 Social aid


4/81

444

5.8 Cadastre

5.9 Ecology

5.10 Satisfaction from service providers

5.11 Satisfaction from the employees in the municipal departments

5.12 Services lacking in the focus communities

5.13 Direct assistance by the government for the local needs

5.14 Problems in the daily working of ULS

5.15 General assessment of the quality of living in the municipality

5.16 Presence of civic activism in the focus communities

5.17 Motives for living in the rural area

6. Concluding ndings and recommendations

6.1 Social exclusion in the rural communities

6.2 Need for local strategic planning

Bibliography

ANNEXES:

TABLE 1 REALIZED PROJECTS

TABLE 2 FINANCING OF PROJECTS

TABLE 3 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES IN A MUNICIPALITY

TABLE 4 ASSESSMENT ON THE DECENTRALIZATION

TABLE 5 UTILITY AND OTHER KINDS OF SERVICES FOR THE CITIZENS

TABLE 6 SERVICES LACKING IN THE MUNICIPALITY

TABLE 7 SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT (LISTED BYPRIORITY)

TABLE 8 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTTABLE 9 COOPERATION OF ULS WITH CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS

TABLE 10 OBJECTIVE DATA


5/81

Preface

The Macedonian Center for International Cooperation(MCIC) has been an active actor in the development of thelocal communities and capacity in the area of civil societysector and local self-government, for several years. Fora while, these activities were performed without manycommon points, i.e., they were not complementaryto each other. However, presently, faced with the bigchallenge of decentralization, the need of exchange ofexperience and joint actions has been emphasized.

In 2006, MCIC started with realization of the threeyear programme Local Development of Communities(LRZ) 2006 2008, which, as a basis, has the positiveexperience from the previously conducted programmeEnabling Communities and Institutions (OZI) 2001 2005.It is continuation of the MCICs activities in the region ofthe rural communities capacity building.

The Study on the Conditions in the Rural FocusCommunities represents one of the initial activities,realized in the framework of the LRZ Programme. It is abase-line research on the needs of the programme aswell as the local communities themselves.

The information found in the Study provides anoverview of the conditions in the focus communities inthe LRZ Programme, in 2006, which may represent abasis for comparison and measurement of the progress

of the development of these rural communities.

The Study poses more questions and challengesbefore the entire communities with regards to theconditions of the rural communities in Republic ofMacedonia and calls for increased attention andcommitment to their progress, development andinclusion.


6/81

AbbrevtationsLRZ Local Development of Communities

ULS Units of local self-government

MCIC Macedonian Center for International Cooperation

ZELS Association of Units of Local Self-Government in Republic of Macedonia

LC Local community

CSO Civil society organizations

WB The World BankUSAID United States Agency for International Development

CARDS Financial instrument of EU for reconstruction, developmentand stabilization of the countries in the Western Balkan

FOSIM Foundation Institute Open Society Macedonia

UNICEF United Nations Childrens Fund

IOM International Organization for Migration

FC Focus groups

PRO Public Revenues Office

PUE Public Utility Enterprise

VAT Value Added Tax

LEAP Local ecological action plan

LED Local economic development

PPP Public-Private Partnership

PHP Programme for Health Protection

ISJPR Institute for Sociological, Judicial and Political Research


7/81

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

1. Executive Summary

The Macedonian village encompasses 86.7% from the national area and 40.2%from the entire population have their residence in the villages. A number of villages inthe Republic has suered from demographic, economic and social decomposition, inthe last decade. Approximately 60% from the Macedonian villages are in the process ofdepopulation, especially in the mountainous regions. It is an indisputable fact that thevillage population has low income and unsolved elementary infrastructural needs in thevillage communities.

A stable and sustainable development of the rural and marginalized communities

can be achieved through stimulation of the local economic activities and balancedsocial and economic development, in line with the eorts for protection of the humanenvironment.

This sublime goal seeks fullment of several crucial prerequisites on behalf of thestate, local self-government and business sector.

What is recommended is stronger and more direct communication among thebusiness entities, local self-government and local inhabitants (a signicantly missing linkdue to the erratic privatization so far, and the total exclusion of the local government andinhabitants), in order to inuence the actors who make prots. These are to be encouragedto provide their contribution for equal development of their local community.

In order to provide more enabling environment for development of public and privateinitiatives, it is recommended that the local governments should develop appropriatelocal strategies for economic development, which will correspond to the specicsof each of the municipality. This, in turn, will result in appropriate programming andplanning of the LED by the municipalities and joint institutions, in each of the planningarea of interest. Among other things, the opportunities for public-private partnerships(PPP) should be explored, as well programmes for promotion of PPP.

The process of decentralization represents a capability for strategic planning invarious areas, which implies that a competent and complex eort is needed. This will

result in bringing fundamental decisions and actions that will model and direct the futureaction of the organizations or institutions of the local community. The focus communitieshave to prioritize their own needs, on the basis of which these local strategies would becreated.

With view of providing an eective and ecient implementation of the recentlyadopted Law on Equal Regional Development (May 2007), an identication of possiblelocal actors, needs and interest for inter-municipal cooperation is recommended.

It is important to stress that there are already several initiatives and activities withinthe focus rural communities, which represent a good foundation for future endeavours.

Overview of municipalities encompassed by the Study on the Conditions in theRural Communities


8/81

FOCUS MUNICIPALITIES:

1. Staro Nagorce

2. Mogila3. Caska4. Zelino5. Tearce6. Dolneni7. Karbinci8. Lozovo9. Konce10. Saraj11. Jegunovce

12. Prilep13. Veles

Overview of municipalities encompassedby the Study on the Conditions

in the Rural Communities

Saraj


9/81

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

2. Introduction

2.1 Background of the StudyIt seems that the communities do not pay sucient attention to the need for

previous elaboration and signicant knowledge about the conditions and relationswithin their boundaries, in the process of dening their strategic perspectives forfuture development and adoption of decisions for concrete interventions. Thecommon practice in the decision-making process in the communities is ad-hoc ordonor driven.

On the other hand, the inexistence of detailed data on the conditions of thetarget group at the beginning of the implementation of the programme interventions

makes the true appraisal of the achievements, in mid-term and nal assessment,impossible.

Thus, there was a need of systematic research on the conditions in the focuscommunities, for the LRZ Programme which at the same time will be used as a base-line study for the programme.

The Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC) has entrustedthe realization of the Survey and analysis on the conditions in the rural focuscommunities within the LRZ Programme to the Institute for Sociological, Judicial and

Political Research (ISJPR). The Survey was conducted during the period of November-December 2006.

2.2 Goals

The goal of the Study on the Conditions Within the Rural Communitiesis contribution to incentives for initiatives for solution of the problems in thecommunities.

The specic objective of the Study is to serve in the process of identicationof challenges, needs, advantages and priorities of the focus rural communities forappropriate design and denitions of project activities within the LRZ Programme.

The available information should provide clear identication on the presentconditions and problems in the communities, and at the same time render denitionof strategic directions for future development possible as well as enabling a decision-making process for concrete programme and project initiatives.

Also, the existence of the initial data on the conditions in the rural communities,included in the LRZ Programme will result in improved measurement of the


10/81

10

achievements of the interventions, after the completion of the various developmentinitiatives in these communities. The programme interventions introduce systems formeasurement of the achievements which should be checked and adjusted to the actualsituation in the target area and group.

2.3 Methodology and approach

The Survey was conducted by means of several methodological procedures:

1. Collection of statistical indicators and data on the communities in the focus ofthe Survey;

2. Realization of focus groups with leaders and/or people employed in the

municipality (management structures), and service providers (from the area ofeducation, utility enterprises etc.), representatives of the business sector andlocal civil society organizations;

3. Realization of focus groups with representatives of the citizens and localcommunities, which are recipients of the services.

The Survey included 13 rural focus communities, identied for the requirementsof the project. These focus communities are: Staro Nagoricane, Mogila, Caska, Zelino,Tearce, Dolneni, Karbinci, Lozovo, Konce, Saraj, Jegunovce and the surrounding ruralareas in the vicinity of Prilep and Veles. In each of them two focus groups were realized,

one with the service providers and management structures and one with the inhabitantsof this community. The discussions were held according to semi-structured questions.


11/81

11

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

3. Statistical data

on the focus communitiesIn the charts that follow certain statistical parameters are presented on the basis of

which the conditions among the communities included in these projects are comparable.The proles of the municipalities date from 20021. The conditions in the villages in thevicinity of Veles and Prilep are not presented, as it was not possible to systematize themin group data.

Municipality Total in-habitants

(2002)

Numberof inhab-

ited areas

Birth rate Num-ber of

house-holds

Number ofmembers of

househol.

House-holds

with onemember

Mogila 4.536 13 -4,1 1.259 3,6 2,6

Dolneni 11.583 35 3,8 3.322 3,5 3,6

StaroNagoricane

4.258 32 -12,5 1.462 2,9 7,4

Caska 2.878 15 10,4 813 3,5 3,0

Zelino 24.390 18 18,7 5.226 4,7 0,3

Tearce 22.454 13 6,0 5.095 4,4 0,9

Karbinci 4.012 29 0,5 1.212 3,3 3,7Lozovo 2.858 11 1,8 899 3,2 4,1

Konce 3.536 14 8,4 1.057 3,3 2,1

Saraj 24.253 16 16,7 5.667 4,3 0,4

Jegunovce 7.227 11 2,1 1.687 4,3 1,3

According to the data, municipalities with highest number of inhabitants are found inSaraj, Zelino and Tearce, whereas least inhabited are the municipalities of Caska andKonce. The municipalities of Dolneni, Staro Nagoricane and Karbinci have the mostinhabited areas, whereas the positive birth rate is the highest in Zelino and Saraj. Highest

negative birth rate is registered in the municipality of Staro Nagoricane, wherein theone-member households are mostly found.

As to illustrate, in 2002 the total bithr rate in Macedonia amounted to 1,6 which meansthat simple reproduction of the population is not provided in the country as a whole 2.On the other hand, the migration from rural to urban areas is very dynamic. The inter-

1 UNDP Profile of the municipalities in Macedonia, UNDP, Ministry of Local Self-Government, StateStatistical Bureau, November 2004 (The data refer to the municipalities defined according to theterritorial organization of Republic of Macedonia before 2004)

2 UNDP, Social and economic disparities among the municipalities in Macedonia, UNDP and theMinistry of Local Self-Government, November 2004, page 18


12/81

12

municipality migrations were most intensive in the regions of Skopje (73,4%) andPelagonija (70,4%), whereas relative lower percentage of migrations is found in theVardar, southwest and southeast regions as well as Polog region (from 64,9% to 67,7%),whereas least intensive migrations are found in the northeast (51%) and east region

(56%)3.

Municipality Connectionto publicwater sup-ply

Connectionto sewerage

Point of PHP(primaryhealth pro-tection)

Local roads Number ofposts

Mogila 86,3 0,2 4 58 2

Dolneni 72,2 2,3 7 110 4

Staro

Nagoricane19,8 0,2 4 214 3

Caska 80,3 49,8 3 48 1

Zelino 8,3 1,4 3 94 2

Tearce 98,9 2,4 6 53 1

Karbinci 82,1 3,5 6 108 2

Lozovo 67,2 32,1 2 133 1

Konce 88,4 11,9 2 102 1

Saraj 62,6 5,6 2 62 1

Jegunovce 60,3 17,9 3 27 2

The municipalities of Tearce, Konce and Mogila have the highest percentage ofconnections to the public water supply system, whereas the least number of connectionsis registered in Zelino and Staro Nagoricane. The connection to the sewerage system ison profoundly low level. Only Caska and Lozovo fare better with regards to this issue.Lozovo has the highest number of local roads kilometres whereas Jegunovce has thelowest.

To illustrate further, Macedonia as a state has total of 13,182 kilometres of categorizedroad network (as of 2002), 957 of which are highway roads, 3,623 regional and 8,394 km.are local roads. Only 208 km. belong to motorways4. The Macadam roads are mostlyused in the rural areas, the newly formed habitats as part of the urban centres and in thetourist places with inurbane communications. During the period from 1998 to 2002 thelength of these roads registers a small increase (from 1,123 to 1,214 km.). Similar trend isregistered with regards to the kilometres of earth (local) roads, where the newly formedlocal self-governments show success in provision of funds from the central governmentfor building such roads5.

3 Same, page 224 UNDP, Social and economic disparities among the municipalities in Macedonia, UNDP and the

Ministry of Local Self-Government, November 2004,5 Same, page 71


13/81

13

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

The public (i.e. the local bus) transport displays various trends in dierent inhabitedareas. Practically, it shows signs of decrease. For an example, in Kriva Palanka (from0,42 in 1998 t o0,33 in 2002) and in Bitola (from 3,37 in 1998 to 0,53 in 2002). The casesof increase are registered in Tetovo (from 3,22 in 1998 to 12,87 in 2002) and Skopje (from

0,61 in 1998 to 0,78 in 2002)6.

Municipality Regularelementaryschool

Studentsper teacher

% of chil-dren from7 to 14 inelementaryschool

Rate of lite-racy of per-sons over10 years ofage

Public costsfor educa-tion perinhabitant

Mogila 10 12 87,3 93,5 1.516

Dolneni 20 13 101,2 93,4 3.274StaroNagoricane

13 8 98,6 87,6 4.702

Caska 3 16 90,4 95,2 6.476

Zelino 17 17 90,6 95,8 2.784

Tearce 8 16 84,8 95,1 2.519

Karbinci 10 13 97,2 86,4 0

Lozovo 5 14 95,7 93,2 3.432

Konce 6 14 83,6 94,1 2.376

Saraj 14 15 93,6 96,0 1.486

Jegunovce 10 15 99,0 96,3 2.725

The data from the municipality of Staro Nagoricane conrm time and again that thepopulations is growing older, the number of pupils is decreasing, in reverse proportionalityto the costs of education per inhabitant. It is evident that the degree of literacy is relatedto the average age of the inhabitants in these municipalities.

6 Same, page 72


14/81

14

Municipality Active en-terprises

Rate ofunem-

ployment(% of la-bour)

Rate ofunem-

ploymentwithinyouth

Long-term

unem-ploy-ment

Public en-terprises

Civilsociety

organi-zations

Mogila 49 30,3 66,6 89,8 0 1

Dolneni 59 75,9 92,2 91,2 1 3

StaroNagoricane

24 35,5 75,0 88,0 1 3

Caska 24 40,5 70,8 88,9 1 94 (?)

Zelino 137 79,4 92,1 84,6 1 0

Tearce 142 62,3 84,2 87,5 2 0

Karbinci 41 47,0 64,6 100,0 1 0

Lozovo 27 46,2 74,6 83,6 1 0

Konce 50 15,9 51,4 73,7 1 0

Saraj 188 63,1 86,2 94,0 1 29

Jegunovce 74 52,7 74,0 87,4 1 0


15/81

15

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

4. Conditions in the municipality

4.1. Development initiatives (projects, programmes) whichare realized in the municipalities, their financing, and theinitiative thereof

It is interesting to note that in the municipalities of Saraj, Tearce and Zelino there isthe highest number of registered enterprises. Still, the rate of unemployment, especiallywithin the young people, is very high, similar to the rate of long-term unemployment.

Almost in all of the municipalities encompassed in this research certain projects havebeen realized, mostly in the areas of:

4 construction of water supply or sewerage system;

4 construction or repair of local roads;

4 repair of school objects.

Moreover, other programme activities have been realized, however, with lower level offrequency. Namely, these activities have been focused on:

4 construction of sports facilities (5 municipalities);4 forestation (5 municipalities);

4 realization of educational programmes in the framework of schools (6municipalities);

4 interventions in the municipal building (3 municipalities);

4 interventions in health facility (2 municipalities);

4 culture (2 municipalities);

4 other (publishing bulletin, CSOs projects, street lights, trainings, etc.).

However, evident are cases wherein, in certain villages, during the last few years, noactivities have been registered for improvement of the conditions in certain segments ofliving (see annex table 1 on Realized projects in the focus communities).

I come from the village of Slivnik, which is 13 kilometres from Veles. It is a villagewith number of problems for which we have sought assistance for severaltimes now, however, to no eect. We were not invited once for talks with themunicipality. Except for 2006 when we received 30 bags of cement for buildingthe village fountain. Having in mind the circumstances, the speaker points outthat the normal living in the village is threatened. Mud, no sewerage, outdated

water supply system, aggravated infrastructure a catastrophe. Childrengo to school on foot or by bus. More than 100 families are facing with lack ofelementary supplies. It is shameful since we are supposed to be living in the 21stcentury.


16/81

1

The general impression is that the realized development programmes and projectsare not part of some global development concept of the government or more generalstrategy but to a large extent result of citizens initiatives (self-nancing) and lobbyingbefore the local government.

Rarely do we receive projects since our village is the least developed in the area,located among Tetovo and the municipality of Zelino. They (government) do notpay much attention to the village.

With regards to this context, special contribution was provided by various domesticand foreign donors. Depending on the area in which the projects were realized, it maybe noted that their nancing is provided by various sources. Thus, with reference tothe segment of water supply and sewerage, in most cases the funds are provided byself-nancing and municipality, but also from funds provided by other subjects and

programmes (MCIC, CIP, CARDS, the World Bank, USAID, TIKA and other). Only in twocases the government has intervened for these needs (Karbinci Fund for Nationaland Regional Roads of the Republic of Macedonia and Tearce Ministry of Agriculture),which is an indication of its own. With reference to programmes linked to improvementof the road network, most often the funds were provided through programmes such asCARDS, AMPEP, SIDA, World Bank, UNDP and in one case through the Fund for Nationaland Regional Roads of the Republic of Macedonia.

In nancing of educational programmes, besides foreign donors (Dutch Embassy, USAID,World Bank, Swiss Agency for Renewal and Development, IOM-NDC, CARDS, AMPEP,

FOSIM,UNICEF and other) only in one case as a nancier the Ministry of Education isfound (see Annex Table 2 on the nanciers of listed initiatives or projects, presented ina table).

4.2. Advantages of the municipalities

One can note that the perceptions of the speakers in the focus groups on the advantagesof their municipality do not dier signicantly. Namely, according to the speakers, what

makes their municipality more attractive than the others, can be listed as:4 healthy environment and natural monuments, as an advantage for development

of village tourism;

4 development of agriculture and stock-breeding;

4 processing of ecologically sound food.

Yet, despite this, some of the municipalities feel that among the advantages of theirmunicipality can be found also the good positioning, good infrastructure, culturalmonuments, good ethnic relations, young and qualied labour, etc. However, theseadvantages are still not used as resources, the blame for which is mainly attributed tothe negative economic policy implemented by the state, i.e. lack of stimulating creditpolicy which would provide incentives for the small enterprises.


17/81

1

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

We receive neither articial fertilizer, nor seed, and the fuel is expensive..., wereceive little in return for our produce. There is no point in being a farmer whenwe register loss.

The problem is in crediting. The mortgages are problem. This is a challengefor the state, if it wants rural development, not only to speak about it. We donot receive certicates to conrm our property, and also the knowledge orprogramme we apply with are considered unimportant. There are high interestrates and similar. It is all hindrance for the rural areas. That is why the businessgoes to town not to village.

The tobacco, fruit, wood industry can ourish in our area. The problem isunfavourable crediting. Which bank will give funds to a farmer? They consider ourproperty of no value. And where there is no mortgage there can be no credit.

Also, part of the problems can be attributed to the mentality of the inhabitants, especiallywith reference to the culture of living as a precondition for development of the villagetourism. One can notice that the natural beauties, by itself, do not suce as a conditionfor development of this kind of tourism. The lack of awareness for proper hygiene in thevillages is another problem.

We dont care if it is clean or not. It is not enough if the nature is beautiful. Whenpeople come and see where we throw the garbage and the quantity of it, no onewould want to stay. See, everything is littered with plastics.

In spite of this situation, several focus communities, have large potential for developmentof tourism and recreation. These are the communities of Staro Nagoricane, with certainmonuments of national value (hunting areas, Pelince, Kokino, local monasteries andchurches, historical monuments), Saraj (with Matka, monasteries, the recreational lake ofTreska, and similar) as well as the villages in the area of Prilep, for tourist and recreationalpurposes. Some of these cultural monuments and natural attractions, although understate auspices, are not protected, maintained or promoted as they should be (see AnnexTable 3 on the advantages, weaknesses in the municipalities and regional problems).

4.3. Disadvantages of the municipalities

The speakers in the focus groups feel that the life in the village has number of problems:hard living, increased level of migration, lack of perspective. As key problems whichdene the quality of living in the village the following were listed:

4 aggravated infrastructure;

4 incomplete coverage with water supply network, which represents a reason for

using water for technical purposes only;4 lack of sewerage system.


18/81

18

We live in the 21st century and we do not have the vital utilities road andsewerage. These are not economic problems we are discussing; these areexistential issues.

We do not seek a factory, employment, we talk about elementary utilities:road, sewerage and water.

Thus, as common problems, the following occur:

4 lack of initiative and trained sta;

4 Law on Treatment of Natural Resources, as well as unfavourable systemicsolutions which leave permanent consequences on the environment;

4 inaccessibility to health services;

4 no sports facilities and playgrounds;

4 no hydro systems for irrigation;

4 illegal waste sites and unorganized waste disposal;

4 low level of environmental awareness of the citizens.

We have people with small property, for example 5-6 hectares of grape or noland at all, and yet, there we have 15,000 or 16,000 hectares of arable land giventhrough concessions to several rms. The division of land was not justly made.We, as a municipality, have submitted a programme to the Government whereinwe seek that all social cases have to receive 5 hectares each. However, we still

have not received any feedback from the Government.

Precisely, these problems for the speakers, are reason that almost in no village, in thementioned municipalities, there is a private initiative for investments. More precisely,the only business that exists in the village is the unlawful deforestationwhich resultsin complete deforestation in the neighbouring areas. Although the inhabitants in thevillage (Zelino) are aware that this is for the benet of several persons only, they ndjustication for these activities, since:

The village is poor, not everyone can aord to buy wood for the winter.

(See Annex Table 3 on the advantages, weaknesses in the municipalities and regionalproblems).

4.4. Regional problems

Of course, part of the problems are reection of the unsolved regional problems. Thus,their solution foresees inclusion of larger circle of stakeholders. As regional problems,

the participants in the focus group identify the following:4 development of agriculture;


19/81

1

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

4 lack of development of economy and unemployment;

4 marble exploitation;

4 aggravated infrastructure;

4 water supply problems;

4 power supply problems;

4 the Kalimancy channel;

4 the unresolved status of the construction land;

4 no road signalization;

4 procedure by which the arable land is allocated;

4 manner of management with forests and waters.

This is a problem of our municipality and the region. The state should give theland to the municipalities, and the farmers should make use of it. This will resultin positive development for the village. The regional units have to divide the landaccording to the size of the municipality. This should be done, and in such mannerwe can provide for our families. This land is now given to people not related tothe municipality, and we work for them for days pay (Konce citizens).

The regional road which links 4 municipalities is half built, however, we doneed additional income, and have in mind this road is very important for thedevelopment of the region. It is an inter-municipal road. (Karbinci leaders)

The problem with large number ofsingles, i.e. young unmarried people who live in thesefocus communities is especially prominent in Dolneni and Staro Nagoricane. Most ofthese are male singles who have diculties in nding female in order to have family inthe rural environment. This fact (alongside the migration of the young population) is oneof the main reasons for the decrease of birth rate and decrease of the population in theseareas. It should be noted that these comments were also mentioned in the other focusgroups.(See Annex Table 3 on the advantages, weaknesses in the municipalities and regionalproblems, presented in a table).

4.5. Role of the municipality in overcoming problems

According to the stances of the focus groups speakers, the positive perceptions onthe role of the municipality in the domain of its responsibilities prevails. This attitudeis shared by the representatives of almost all villages, independently of their status citizens or leaders. An exception of this rule is registered only in Zelino, Tearce andKonce, who were more neutral regarding the assessment of the role of the municipality

(positive or negative).


20/81

20

The lack of nancial means is a problem which limits the working of the municipality. Allmunicipalities have still not formed their own development oces or have vision forlocal development. In some of the focus groups of citizens these do not possess anythingsimilar to this information. The information regarding the events in the municipalities

is mainly realized through announcements pasted on the sounding boards or on thedoors of the near-by shops and local communities. Only in one of the municipalities(Jegunovce) an annual bulletin is published, containing the most signicant informationregarding the municipality, whereas a web page, as means of information dissemination,is used by the municipality of Prilep. In any case, the information represents a problemfor the citizens, especially due to the fact that the municipalities do not have their ownradio station, through which, in time, the necessary information to the citizens wouldbe disseminated. That is perhaps the reason why the participants in the focus groupsare critical towards the model of communication between citizens and local self-government.

There is no information provided to us regarding the problems. The citizens areonly interesting to the municipality in time of elections. In the mean time, no oneis interested in us.

It can be inferred that forms of consultations with the inhabitants or any kind ofcommunication model on the issues of interest to all inhabitants in these villages aremissing.

By all means, there are still opposite examples. Namely, certain level of content is foundin Karbinci, with regards to the degree of communication and manner of provision oftimely information.

4.6. Vision for development of the community

Only a part of the participants in the focus group of citizens (Jegunovce, Karbinci) are

introduced to the fact that there is document dening the directions for development ofthe municipality. Others either do not know about it, or were not included in any of thephases of identication of the possible development goals.

Surely the answers to this question for the focus group of citizens is to an extentdetermined by the level of their knowledge, i.e. the registered communicationaluncoordinated relations of citizens municipality. Thus, it seems that it is entirely logicalthat answers to this question are provided by the representatives of the municipalitiesin the focus groups of leaders, i.e. they would possess the most detailed informationregarding the context.


21/81

21

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

The representatives in the focus groups who are aware of the existence of such adocument, still, are sceptical about the opportunity to realize the established goals.

There is vision for local development, wherein the directions and priorities aredened. But we have to wait and see what will come out of it.

There is a development plan, but on paper only.

4.7. The role of the local community in the municipality

It is evident that in all focus groups there is an agreement that the local communities (LCs)have the key role in coordination of the activities and provision of information betweenthe local self-government and the population in the villages. However, although withthe process of decentralization the status of LC is not dened, still the citizens recognizean actor in it that may mobilize and articulate the interests of the local inhabitants.This conclusions are common, both for the focus groups of citizens and focus groups ofleaders.

The LCs are active and the communication with the local self-government ismainly channelled through it.

The practice has shown that the local communities face countless problems in theirfunctioning (lack of facility and sta, insecure reimbursement for their endeavours,no gyro account), which leads to their marginalization. The fault is allocated, by thespeakers, to the legislative which, according to them, does not foresee LC as a legalentity. Precisely due to this fact, it is hindered to be an active subject which will performits functions in an ecient manner. Presently, it is noted that the local communitiesfunction more on a volunteering basis and by help of the wits of the president of thelocal community.

Its unregulated status as a local community also leaves room for its working to bedetermined by the will and preparedness for cooperation of the local authorities. Its


22/81

22

ignoring, according to the representatives of the focus groups of citizens, leads to lackof information to the inhabitants and disabling the LCs to provide active contribution forrealization of the policy of the municipality.

With this lack of respect towards the LC, the municipality, i.e. the mayor,often overlooks the local community, and by doing this, the LC and the localinhabitants are entirely excluded from the events in the village.

You can see, buildings are raised or brought down here, but no one asks if weagree to that or not. We even hear that the mayor wants to take our stamps, sowe can function no more.

We try to keep the old ways, we had a room which was a donation fromindividual persons, but the truth is we survive as we can. When we are needed toraise two ngers in the air, then we are summoned. The things must go throughsome people, and in principle these people should come from the LCs.

That is why a new legislation is proposed that would secure more independence (owngyro account and provision of appropriate working conditions). Thus, the local inhabitantscan have their own chain in the municipal processes.

Sub-accounts from the municipal account for nancing of LCs should be openand the people active in LCs should be reimbursed, since no one wants to be avolunteer anymore. Another source of nancing would be from the associationof tobacco producers. They are in need of formation of data base in order toproduce valid certicates regarding the family and material situation.


23/81

23

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

4.8. The process of decentralization (has not) lead toimprovement of the work of the municipality

It is a general impression that the time is to short to give a relevant assessment of theprocess of decentralization. However, there is still an agreement that this process hassignicant meaning for the smaller village communities whose interests and specicslost their authenticity in the framework of the larger communities.

For 50 years now nothing was given to these villages. Now the rural municipalitiesare visible.

For example, I was a representative in the municipal assembly of Stip and I canonly tell you that we had a concrete initiative for procurement of water pump,and the assembly had to allocate only 3,000 DEM. Unfortunately, I was outvotedby my colleagues who considered that the curtains in the regional oce in Stipwere of higher priority.

With reference to this case, comparatively, certain divergence in the answers of thefocus groups of citizens and focus groups of leaders can be registered. Larger degreeof restraint can be registered in the citizens attitude. Namely, for a part of this group

the changes that occurred are of formal character and to a larger extent they manifestdiscontent from what has been achieved in their municipality. They attribute the causeof the problem also in the lack of nancial means, that the municipality is in charge of,which directly inuences the opportunity for an ecient realization of the responsibilitiesof the municipality. Unlike this group, the leaders of this municipality give positiveconrmation to the value of the eects from the process of decentralization. However,they also propose certain changes to take place regarding the responsibilities and rights,which would result in strengthening the independence of the municipality.

Even the things we had, are now gone, the experience is negative. The

municipality lacks funds, decentralized are things of no value, and what isvaluable is kept by the state. (beneciaries)

We are not happy. Only formal changes take place. When there are noemployees, there are not also any funds to nance the responsibilities of themunicipality

For example, my husband has a programme that would result in employment ofseveral people, but he has not received assistance from the municipality. There is

no stimulation or alleviations. It is not a business-friendly environment.


24/81

24

The change in this regards is noticeable only in designation and dismissal ofdirectors

The people are pleased, since the municipality is now responsible for certainissues that were under central government until now. Payment of taxes is done,previously by PRS, so now there is better assessment and payment. (leaders)

When Mogila became a municipality, the satisfaction was greater, since thepeople now have whom to turn to. (leaders)

Fine and brave step was undertaken by the previous government to allocate amillion MKD for every municipality, and then additional funds according to the

number of people resident in the municipality.

In any case, the joint conclusion by all present in the focus groups is that the municipalitiesshould have wider responsibilities and rights, especially in the area of management ofstate land. Namely, it is considered that the centralized governance of the land andthe manner it is allocated, puts the municipality in the back seat, without real power tocreate a policy containing developmental component for the local unit. More precisely,since it is not under the responsibility of the municipality, it is considered that in such away the land is provided to persons who are not active in agriculture.

Im a registered individual farmer, the registration cost me approximately 100EUR, but I dont see any use of that. Those who are not farmers receive theland. And Zlaten Klas (enterprise using the state land under concession) are notfarmers.

Additional problem is the fact that all municipalities are not on equal footing andare not able to follow the planned dynamics in the process of decentralization. Thus,supplemental criteria in the allocation of nances are recommended, thus, a furtherincentive would be provided for the underdeveloped municipalities.

It is obvious that small local self-governments, as ours is, cannot functionproperly, neither can we function with the funds provided. The state wouldhave to dene certain criteria underdeveloped municipalities, on the basis ofwhich the allocation would be made...Lozovo is now separated from Sveti Nikole,however, one time the capital investments and construction activities took placethere, so the nancing follows this logic, and Lozovo is now forgotten. We arelimited with income utility taxes, personal taxes, etc...


25/81

25

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

In this context, the problem which accentuates the increased portfolio of responsibilitiesrepresents the understang of the local government so it can successfully answer theforeseen tasks. Part of the problems is of nancial nature, since there is lack of nancingfor new employments and technical equipment, but also part of problems is linked to

their inability to hold on to the trained sta in the smaller local units. Of course, thegenesis of this problem is more complex and largely determined by the dynamicalprocess of migration (village to city), especially of the professional sta (See Annex Table4 on the group assessment of the decentralization, presented in a table).


26/81

2


27/81

2

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

5. Degree of satisfaction or dissatisfactionwith the service providers

Without doubts, the standard of living of the citizens is also valued through the qualityof services which can be found in ones place of residence. However, this is one of theaspects which provides an answer to one important question: How much is the villagein the Republic of Macedonia attractive for living? Several segments are linked to cultureand standards of living, when we try to answer that question:

4 PUE;

4 water supply and sewerage;

4 road network and transport;

4 power supply;

4 PTT services;

4 educational services;

4 availability of the health services;

4 social services;

4 cadastre;

4 ecology.

(See Annex Table 5 on the group assessment on the degree of satisfaction with theservices)

5.1. Public Utility Enterprise

Obviously, in half of the sample of municipalities this issue is not resolved entirely. This isespecially the case in the villages, wherein the organized waste collection is not regulated.Out of the 7 municipalities with functioning PUE, ve provide positive assessment withthe quality of the services of the PUE, whereas two municipalities assess it as good. Thesuccess of the work of this service is, to an extent, depending on the cooperation withthe LCs and the municipal services. Namely, the experience has shown that PUE is moreecient when there are coordinative eorts with the LCs. The lack of discipline on behalfof the citizens and their lack of preparedness to pay even the minimum reimbursementis only a conrmation to the lack of awareness for the common good. Although thespeakers are self-critical and admit to disobeying the rules for collection and disposal of

garbage themselves, they still do not show an initiative for changing their habits.


28/81

28

The PUE has still not been founded. The hygiene is dicult to maintain, sincepeople litter freely, there is no waste site. The channels are being polluted,the thrash is burnt in the backyards or the channels. The river basin is beingexcavated.

For this situation the citizens are to be blamed, as well as our habits to throwgarbage everywhere and not pay for our bills. There are really people whocannot pay their bills, but there are many whom we know of having money andstill do not pay.

Everyone litters as he or she pleases. There is no way how to punish this act. Theutility company is really working; it is us who are not paying attention.

The formal concern by the people is evident, as well as the manner to manage waste.However, in real terms, there is no conscience regarding the accountability of everyindividual in provision of services for clean and healthy environment. The sole exceptionis the village where there is good cooperation among the inhabitants and there isdeveloped sense of common ownership. We are speaking about the village Melnica, theinhabitants of which underline the positive experience from the manner of functioningof the public utility enterprise. Actually, it is the local population, by regular payments ofthe reimbursement, which manages to organize the waste disposal from their village.

There is great cooperation with the public utility enterprise, but we as inhabitantsare also disciplined.

5.2 Water supply and sewerage

According to the assessments made, the speakers express various experience andproblems, with reference to the quality of these services. In any case, the uncompletedwater supply and sewerage network represents a problem for several villages. Theremarks were made with reference to the quality and soundness of the drinking water.The fact that this is of a priority need for the population was reiterated by the speakersby insisting on timely solution to this problem.

It is too expensive to dig wells for water with questionable quality, as well as topay for the electricity used to pump up the water. This problem is of a prioritylately.


29/81

2

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

5.3. Road network and transportation

Of course, this problem is pressing in contemporary terms for the local communities,

participants in the focus groups, especially regarding the villages, which do not gravitatetowards larger cities. The conditions are deemed aggravating by the speakers from themunicipalities of Staro Nagoricane, Mogila, Zelino, Dolneni, as well as some of villagesin the vicinity of Veles. With reference to these municipalities, a single good example isthe municipality of Karbinci, whose road networks, according to the participants in thefocus groups, pleases the needs of the population. Undoubtedly, we are speaking abouta key parameter in the assessment of one area as a potential for local development.More precisely, the regulated infrastructure makes possible all the other services andassumptions important in the planning of the economic development. The aggravatedroad network for most of the speakers is a reason for the unsolved transport, problem in

securing organized transport of the participants to the schools, diculties in access tothe health services (organization of rst aid) etc.

God forbids if someone gets sick. If the bulldozer is not here to clean up thesnow, we are cut o. Last year a person passed away since he could not betransported in time in Veles.

With regards to the transport, this problem is solved by private transporters, in most ofthe municipalities surveyed. They are satised with this service.Even in situations where

there is organized public and private transport at the same time, advantage is given tothe private transporters (e.g. the municipality of Jegunovce). However, the possibility ofusing these services, according to the speakers, is conditioned by the existence of theroad network. To be more precise, it is mentioned that not one speaker is prepared tocover these routes.

There is no road. Who is willing to drive then?

5.4. Power supply and PTT services

It is noted that the negative opinion on the quality of the power supply prevails,regarding its oscillations, which bring the safe functioning of the domestic appliancesunder question mark.

The power level is not the same in all villages. The domestic appliances oftenbreak down.


30/81

30

The high cost of the power supply was mentioned as a reason for turning to other powersources, by the inhabitants.

With reference to the PTT services, the positive marks prevail; however, even in this casethe problem of irregular payment of the telephone bills occurs. Actually, there is generalremark that the prices of all services are relatively high in regards to the inhabitantspurchase level. The speakers admit that their neighbours often are not in position to payfor this service regularly and that they are recalling this service in numbers.

5.5 Educational services

Remarks were also made with the view of educational services received by these citizensfrom the local units. Number of aspects is coming to the front of the interest with thedecentralization process, reecting the quality of education that their children receive.This includes nancing, transportation, heating, salary payment, etc. A particular problemin almost all village communities is the conditions with the school buildings which areabandoned, decrepit, unequipped with what the modern education seeks.

On the other hand, the curricula and the capabilities of the sta included in the educationalprocess receive better marks. Undoubtedly, a primary problem for the participants is the

access to educational institutions, whereas the quality of the curricula is of secondaryimportance.

As a problem we can mention the diculties accompanying the continuation ofschooling after completion of eight grade. Namely, in order to continue with thesecondary education, the pupils should travel every day to the larger inhabited areas,depending on the type of educational institution they would like their children to attend.This highlights the problem of every day travel, especially in winter conditions, as well asthe additional nancial means needed for the every day travel.

The problem of studying as expensive for nancing is additionally emphasized, whichputs children from village into more discriminated situation than the children from thecity.

We do not think of studying. We need minimum of 150-200 EUR per month. Wedont have enough money to study or go to the city every day in high school. Imyoung, I would like to go to the university, but who would nance me? I cant onmy own go there. I cant even please the essential needs of my family. All youngpeople are obsessed with nding nancial means and this proves dicult.


31/81

31

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

5.6. Health services

The general conditions in the health system are reecting in local level as well. The

privatization of the primary health system and the accompanying processes arecertainly inuential for the creation of certain confusion in the stances of the speakerswhen discussing this topic. Actually, in most villages, part of the sample of this survey,the health service is still not provided. And, if it is provided, it is not regular, i.e. there areno shifts. The dentists services are also not provided in all the villages. In all places wherethe private health service functions, the speakers have positive opinions regarding theirservice, as opposed to the services provided by the public health system.

In the villages wherein the ambulances dont function the population seeks the healthservice in other places. Thus, repeatedly, the weak infrastructure was mentioned, asadditionally causing problems in satisfying the health needs, especially in cases whereemergency help is needed. That is why the speakers would like to see certain healthservices provided in the neighbouring villages or municipality. According to them, thetime of the people would be more rationally spent, and timely health service would beprovided.

We need a laboratory, dentist and doctor for basic examinations. The morecomplex cases can go to Stip.

The working hours are problem. There is no constant doctor on shift. No oneis there if you want to measure your blood pressure or if you need emergencyhelp.


32/81


33/81

33

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

The biggest polluters are the inhabitants themselves who do not take care forthe pollution of the environment.

The fact that presently there are no industrial objects in most villages is ironicallycommented by the speakers that when there is no commerce they dont need to worryabout any polluters, i.e. this problem is of minor nature.

There is no industry to pollute.

No one is working, who will be able to pollute.

Still, in the discussions several larger polluters were listed which directly endanger the

health of the population in these areas with their working. More precisely, with regardsto pollution, these rms were mentioned: Silmak (Jegunovce), Bonum through the acidit lets o (Staro Nagoricane), the agricultural rm Dgumajlija, since it sends out acidsin the phase of grape processing (Lozovo), the brick plant which sends out petroleumjelly (Lozovo), the private pig farms (Karbinci and Melnica), as well as number of illegallandlls, with danger of spreading infectious diseases dangerous on the health of humanbeings.

Thus the citizens are asking for quicker solution to the problem of illegal landlls, aswell as increased accountability of the local self-government in provision of certicatefor environment friendly businesses for ever enterprise whose functioning may lead toendangering the health of people and their environment.

No one takes care for the environment. There is no rule where can one open arm or a farm which can endanger the normal living.

In this context, for part of the speakers the unregulated status of sites of building barns forstock keeping in an inhabited area endangers the normal functioning of the surroundingfamilies living in the vicinity. Namely, by not solving this issue, according to the speakers,

the normal living is obstructed. They pointed out the need for speedy solution, and theyurge to sanitary inspections to show greater eciency in their working.

This must be regulated outside the city.

We cant live in the 21st century and have barns built between village houses.This makes our life unbearable.

Projects are proposed for education of the inhabitants, as well as introductions of certainsanctions, in order to discipline the inhabitants how to manage waste and behave withthe environment.


34/81

34

Im from Croatia. I came here because of my husband. I like everything except thehygiene and bad hygienic habits of my neighbours. This is the main reason why I like togo back now. Although I speak with my neighbours and explain why we should all takecare of the hygiene we cant understand each other.

Also the minimal amount that the citizens have to pay to their citizens to the PUEfor the collection of waste is mentioned. It is not paid on regular basis.

They do everything what is their responsibility, but there are real limits to theirfunctioning. We are undisciplined and without money. They also have hard time. Howcan we pay to them? Hundred denars for some is too much. But how would the enterprisesurvive if we dont pay for the costs?

5.10 Satisfaction from service providers

The most common remarks given for the service providers refer to the quality andsoundness of drinking water, power supply oscillations which results in malfunctioningof the domestic appliances, public transportation, existence of services within theministries and cadastres in larger places only, etc.

The quality of the water is problematic. The power supply quality diers invarious villages. The appliances often break down.

The public transportation does not satisfy the needs of the citizens. Themunicipality, although entitled to, has not made any concrete steps in thisregard. The private transportation services are good.

Higher marks were given to educational services (the sta is trying whereas theinfrastructure and conditions are ubiquitously in aggravated status), the private

transportation and phone services (not the fees which are deemed as too high).

With reference to education, it is noted that the conditions can be improved, however,the basic problems are the diculties in satisfying the extra curricula activities of thechildren.

Regarding health services, the conditions are result of the bad and slow reform, sincethe privatization of the ambulances and lack of nances are reason why a health servicecan not be provided. In many places there are not operating ambulances, and people

are forced to travel, especially dicult during the need of emergency help.


35/81

35

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

For every disease, sore throat or more serious, for now, we have to go toVeles.

The collection of waste is problem for every municipality, but because of various reasons.In some places there are not PUE for this purpose, and citizens are highly unaware, andthey throw the garbage wherever they feel like. Somewhere the inhabitants don not paythe bills and thus the service is cancelled. In other areas, the need for landlls is moreurgent and in that sense funds are needed for these to be built.

There is a vehicle for waste disposal, and yet the citizens are undisciplined whenthey have to pay a fee of 50 MKD. In all villages there are small landlls. Thehouseholds have the role of polluters.

PUE functions superbly, the default of payment of bills is what brings thesustainability of this service in question. People dont pay contribution of 50 MKDfor the waste management nor do they pay their water supply obligations.(Karbinci)

In the village of Zelino as examples of polite and professional attitude the employers inthe ambulances were mentioned, as professionals always prepared to give help. Goodwords were spoken for the police in this municipality.

Surely they cannot give us money, but they assist in what is their responsibility.We had lot of problems and need to call upon them.

As most contemporary example of the understanding by some of the service providersthe EVN electrical company is mentioned, which in its last eort to turn o the electricityof default payers, has decided not to turn o the power in the village. As the villagerssay:

There are consumers with unpaid bills for several years, but there is understanding

that there are villages with 10 people and not one or just one employee. Theydont have either money or bread.


36/81

3

5.11 Satisfaction from the employeesin the municipal services

In most cases, the citizens are pleased with the work of the municipal services (theyare hospitable), often from the mayors (trying not to give o an air of party links oraliation). They are aware that they are only able to oer services in the framework oftheir legal duties.

It is not by accident that the mayor is serving his third mandate.

We wanted the water supply to be part of the procedure, and the people metour expectations. The mayor helps every one, no matter who it is.

In some places the need for additional sta is highlighted, additional qualications, aswell as provision of appropriate room and working conditions. The ecient work of theseservices, according to the present speakers, largely depends on the logistics available.

New employments and technical equipment are needed for the municipality.

Decentralization is only possible if we have data base on our disposal; by then,

we are in status quo. We have neither space nor equipment nor any initial basisfor upgrading.

The citizens agree that their work can be organized in better manner, thus resulting inimproved eciency. They also have remarks on the need for greater transparency intheir work which would provide increased level of informed citizens on the events takingplace in the municipality.

On the other hand, the employees in the municipality consider themselves that theytry, in principle, to meet the needs of the citizens as much as they can. They direct thecitizens to the services in the city, write applications for them, provide information ondaily or administrative needs, enable contacts with the regional units, ll out forms, etc.

The need for annual trainings in the area of nances, urban planning, agriculture,legislative, environment (because of new legislative) is highlighted. Also, the municipalitiesusually have few professional departments; all the duties which according the lawsare given to them, are not entirely encompassed; they require responsible people foreducation, inspections, culture, administration of taxes; a team for application andrealization of projects is also needed, etc.


37/81

3

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

We need many employees whom we cannot employ due to lack of funds. Evenif we train these people, what afterwards, when the nancing is not secured? Weare ve people and we work everything, and for example, we need someone forlocal economic development and a person for cooperation with the civil society

sector.

Every work has to go through the mayor and this proves to be impractical. Theproblem is that we dont have our own inspectorate and its dicult for us toimplement decisions.

I already requested from the local authorities to have at least one hydroengineer who will be part of our department here. We need another expert forcattle and other favourable funds for development, since everything here is

about agriculture and stockbreeding.

5.12 Services lacking in the focus communities

The participants in the focus groups listed the following services which are missing intheir place of residence:

4 opening oces of the Ministry of Agriculture for more easier contact of the

farmers with the state bodies;4 provision of education supplemented with new and/or additional contents

(foreign language, computers, music school) the absence of which puts thechildren from the rural areas in more discriminated position in comparison tourban children;

4 opening of kindergartens;

4 doctors (especially active in shifts), dentists and other specialists services(gynaecologist);

4 opening an ambulance in villages where there is none, where according the

number of inhabitants one should be functioning;4 opening of cadastre services for agricultural purposes;

4 opening of veterinary departments in the framework of the municipality andprovision of councillors for agriculture and stock-breeding;

4 pharmacies and laboratories for medical research (blood, etc.);

4 inspectors for location of irregularities in various areas (pollution, exploitationof river basins, construction issues illegal buildings, etc.);

4 creation of news bulletin municipal magazine;

4 bank, bakery, library with reading section, gas pump, sports facilities;

4 provision of re ghting protection;


38/81

38

4 police station;

4 department for issuance of documents;

4 computer linkage with number of services in order for them to be more

accessible and for the needs of the citizens;4 formation of PUE where there is not one, waste collection and disposal;

4 cultural institution;

4 regular public transport and transport of pupils;

4 good coverage with radio and TV signal;

4 well trained sta in the municipal administration.

Also, the lack of trainings for performance of professional services (plumber, tailors, jeweller) as well as education on production of applications for certain programmes,especially in the area of agriculture (see Annex Table 6 on services lacking in the focuscommunities, presented in a table).

5.13. Direct assistance by the Government for the local needs

The direct assistance by the Government in these focus communities usually boils downto funds from the Fund for National and Regional Roads, part of the nancial means from

the sold telecommunication company which are spent on various purposes depending onthe local needs (water supply system) etc. Other interventions of emergency characterwere: unblocking the municipal accounts, (non)functioning of ambulances, tobacco buy-out, but also building bridges, ambulances, covering damages from natural disasters,construction of monuments (as Pelince), construction of schools, donations of wastecontainers, etc.

However, the remark is that there have not been many of such actions and the Fundfor National and Regional Roads does not help much in building new or modernizing oldroads.

Concrete plans for construction of collection station for regulation of waste waters fromPrilep are announced, although the rural areas in the vicinity are not mentioned.

The state should make realistic assessment of the needs of each of themunicipality and appropriately address the same.


39/81

3

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

5.14 Problems in the daily working of the ULS

According to the speakers, there are number of problems that the units of local

self-government are facing:

4 nancial (ULS receive only 2% from the VAT and the personal tax on income);

4 the funds from the state are not paid in time;

4 the accounts of ULS are closed due to transferred obligations, whereas themeans are not appropriately transferred also;

4 spatial issues;

4 lack of sta;

4 interference of the authorities of the central and local government;

4 provision of land by the state under long-term concessions, by which theopportunity for economic planning and development is taken away from theULS, and the local self-government has no say in it;

4 the usurping of land by individuals;

4 the farmers are not registered as such to perform this activity;

4 the list of tax payers is supplemented, the tax collection is aggravated;

4 the funds for the public institutions are insucient, especially in schools which,through the municipalities cannot pay for the heating, equipment, renovation.

A particular problem in the relations between the local and state government is theunsolved issue of ownership (management) of the construction land and theconcessions for the agricultural land, which the speakers consider that it should begiven at the disposal of the municipality. It is considered that the ULS have realisticallyfewer rights in the process of solving their ongoing problems.

The rural areas should have special authority which are in line with the role ofthe municipality. The municipality should be the owner of the entire constructionland, since it knows best the parcels.

The municipality knows better than someone from the ministries, a person whois real farmer and would like to plough the soil.

The great desire of the speakers is to have real developmental projects andchances for favourable credits for improving their small economy.

We just had enough of trainings how we can ask for money. The centralgovernment, not the local government, should be responsible for that.


40/81


41/81

41

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

the ethnic communities, especially the Albanian, is insuciently represented in thefounding and working of such organizations, according to the statistical data of thepopulation in the state8.

Still, although the ocial data regarding these focus communities point out that thereis small number of such organizations, the people who participate in these focusgroups mention local organizations which are active in various areas (sports, womenorganizations, humanitarian organizations, youth centres, culture and arts associations,hunting associations, agricultural, retired persons and re ghting associations, etc.). As aproduct of the cooperation of the municipality, with some of them, the LEAP are brought,as well as the small assistance received by the football clubs in order to provide themwith funds for normal functioning. The example of the municipality of Saraj is mentionedwhich allocates small budget for project proposals which are submitted by the local civil

society organizations. Still, the largest part of the focus communities describes theseactivities as accidental, mostly depending on the funds which are inaccessible to them.

Some communities stated that there is an acute need for formation of ecological oragricultural associations, active on the territory of the municipality.

The general recommendation is that the civic activism in the future should moreintensely provide incentives and expansion to the rural areas through application ofvarious measures, but before all, by increase of awareness for self-organizing andmobilization of the local population. One of the opportunities is to make use of thenetworking of organizations existing in the country, as a model of linkage which helpsthe small (or newly formed) civil society organizations to overcome the problems theyface with due to lack of resources, information, sta, etc. The human potential which willbe created will represent an adequate partner for the local self-government as well, forimprovement of the social living, as well as for identication of and solution to the localproblems.

5.17 Motives for living in the rural area

The majority of the respondents to the questions why they live in the municipality

state the tradition, emotional connection to their place of birth, their fatherland.

We are born here, we feel good here, this is a peaceful and wonderful

place to live in

8 Idem, page 34


42/81

42

Some state that they live there because they are optimistic about their municipality in thefuture (and rural areas), expecting that the living conditions will improve. The ecologicallycleaner environment, as opposed to the urban areas, is of special importance.

I believe that in the future in the village well have better living conditions thanin the city

You cant live in the city as well, not with the economic situation nowadays. Onthe other hand, the interethnic relations are good, the environment is nice andhealthy, the only thing that needs resolving is the economic issue.

If you give the grade 2 to our municipality, then in the city is 0. Now, in the

private enterprises one works 30 days for 5,000 MKD.

Still, the reason for that they also attribute to the realistic opinion that actually theydont have where to go in order to provide for their family and their self better economicconditions. This despondence is mostly originating from the inability to live and workin a satisfying manner, in the rural environment and provide decent living standard.Especially the younger speakers state if they had an opportunity they would leave theirhomes.

Village is good, city is better

If I want to buy ve cows, I should have a salary or property for mortgage. Idont have that. My house is of no value.

If I can, I will leave right now. To the end of the world, there is no perspectivehere. Thats why Macedonia will be left without its people.


43/81

43

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

6. Concluding findings and recommendations

It is known that the stable and sustainable development of rural and marginalizedcommunities may be established by stimulation of the local economic activities andbalanced social and economic development, in line with the eorts for protection of theenvironment. This sublime goal seeks fullment of several crucial preconditions:

On behalf of the State:

4 to undertake all measures possible and to make every endeavours to solvethe serious, elementary infrastructural problems of the population in the rural

areas (mostly regarding roads, water, but other services as well), from whichthe future economic and total development of these areas depends;

4 to provide serious stimulatory policy for the farmers by introducing micro-credit programmes and other economic means for improvement of thecompetition, diversication of the development, but also for other kinds ofeconomic activities (tourism, food processing, etc.);

4 to nancially support the creation of developmental strategies, specic to thepriorities of every region/municipality;

4 to strengthen all departments under its authority in the Republic of

Macedonia;4 to adopt strategy for development of the rural areas in the Republic of

Macedonia.

By the local self-government:

4 to provide inclusive processes in the municipality when agreeing upon thecommon priorities and policies, through cross-sectoral partnerships, alliances,cooperation with civil society organizations, support to local initiatives throughwhich the population acquires the ownership of the process (societal

mobilization for common goals);4 creation of rm partnerships among the included actors at several levels

(target groups, community, local governments, public services, business sector,but also state, domestic and foreign funds);

4 possession ofminimum of social capital, physical and economic infrastructure,as well as an administrative capacity;

4 provision ofpunctual assessment and information on their own resources:economic capital (enterprises, network of services, economic infrastructure),human capital (higher education services, available labour force), naturalcapital (clean air, water resources, forests, animals) and social capital (active

communities, CSOs, ethnic/cultural groups);4 provision oftransparency and accountability in its work.


44/81

44

The social mobilization, provided it is implemented in a successful manner, can result ingreater internal homogeneity, will function democratically and in accountable manner,will be open for new ideas and interests. It is time to build innovative forms of work, tosupport new and more equal relations between the community and the other bodies,

in long-term perspective, and to show willingness to make compromises for successfulresults for the local needs. It is important to stress to these focus communities thatthere are already initiatives and activities, which represent good basis for the futureactivities.

By the business sector (enterprises):

What is recommended is stronger and more direct communication among thebusiness entities, local self-government and local inhabitants (a signicantly missing linkdue to the dodgy privatization so far, and the total exclusion of the local government

and inhabitants), in order to inuence the actors who make prots. These are to beencouraged to provide their contribution for equal development of their local community.In this regards, the following is foreseen:

4 raising awareness for revitalization of the natural resources which are destroyedas result of the commercial activities (exploitation of land, stone, forests, riverbasins, water, etc.);

4 assistance for solution of certain social problems characteristic for the localpopulation;

4 assistance in solution to some of the acute problems of the community (road,water, infrastructure, schools, etc.).

In order to provide more enabling environment for development of public and privateinitiatives, it is recommended that the local governments should develop appropriatelocal strategies for economic development, which will correspond to the specicsof each of the municipality. This, in turn, will result in appropriate programming andplanning of the LED by the municipalities and joint institutions, in each of the planningarea of interest. Among other things, the opportunities for public-private partnerships(PPP) should be explored, as well programmes for promotion of PPP (trainings, publicpresentations, workshops, debates, etc.), opportunities for proposals of priority urban

plans to be provided by the municipalities, in order to attract domestic and foreigndonors, etc. In order to realize this planning, in a serious and sustainable manner, theplanning is to be oered by the state and the international donors.

With view of providing an eective and ecient implementation of the recently adoptedLaw on Equal Regional Development (May 2007), an identication of possible localactors, needs and interests for inter-municipal cooperation is recommended. Thus, threekey elements in the existing inter-municipality cooperation were identied:

4 economy of size;

4 lack of capacity of certain municipalities to provide the necessary level of services(such as, for example, the urban planning, protection of the environment, re


45/81

45

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

ghting protection, health protection, etc.);

4 provision of quicker and better local development.

6.1. Social exclusion in the rural communities

The social exclusion9 mentioned in this context due to the existence of some of itsdimensions (knowledge) in the framework of the communities in the focus of theinterest of this project. More precisely, there is social exclusion to some extent in thesecommunities. This is in reference to the use of their social rights (or services) understoodin more broader context, which otherwise, as foreseen, they are entitled to as citizensof Republic of Macedonia. Thus, these communities are lacking certain quality of life

which is usually more enabled in the urban areas, but which can be improved if the statedevelops serious and consistent policy for rural development.10 The basic registeredproblems and deciencies are intensively intertwined and in synergy.

The Macedonian village encompasses 86.7% from the national area and 40.2% fromthe entire population have their residence in the villages. A number of villages in theRepublic has suered from demographic, economic and social decomposition, in thelast decade. Approximately 60% from the Macedonian villages are in the process ofdepopulation, especially in the mountainous regions. It is an indisputable fact that thevillage population has low income and unsolved elementary infrastructural needs in thevillage communities11.

A research conducted by ISPJR showed that only 21.6% are partially satised, i.e.1.6% are fully satised with the income from agriculture. In the mountainous villagesin Macedonia, 43% from the surveyed stated that they dont have enough money tobuy food, whereas 47% stated they have money to buy food, but have diculties whenbuying clothes and footwear. 12

9 The notion of social exclusion is narrowly linked to social closure, i.e. social exclusion is result of so-cial closure. Under social closure we understand a process wherein the groups are trying to reserve(for themselves) the exclusive control over resources of any kind, through limitation of the accessto them. Thus, the process is based on the power of one group to hinder or aggravate the accessto the other group to the resources (goods, services or positive life opportunities) - Robert Goodin,Inclusion and Exclusion, Archives Europeennes de Sociologie, 37/2, 1996).

10 At the same time, as a result of cumulating of several layers of economic, social and other reasons(most often met in multi-cultural societies) in LRZ communities have been encompassed for whichit may be stated that are extremely marginalized, such as some Roma habitats in the city suburbs,also part of this project.

11 UNDP, National Report on the Human Development 2001, Social exclusion and uncertainty of thecitizens of Republic of Macedonia, page 71

12 UNDP, National Report on the Human Development 2001, Social exclusion and uncertainty of thecitizens of Republic of Macedonia, page 72


46/81

4

The main factors which contribute to the social exclusion in the rural areas are;

1. Unsolved elementary infrastructural needs of the rural areas: road, regular busline, provision of elementary necessities, sucient healthy water for drinking,

sewerage, etc.;2. Insucient accessibility to the educational institutions and elementary health

services, including primary health protection, especially for inhabitants ofmountainous regions;

3. Insucient access to market and market information, as well as lack ofconsistent state policy which hinders the small farmers to realize better marketcompetitiveness and product eciency as well introduction of contemporarymodels of work.

Most pressing need, continuously mentioned by the respondents is the insucientlybuilt, reconstructed or maintained road network, which in these circumstances is ofcrucial meaning to the future of these communities. The reason for this is of economicand developmental character: people, goods and services are more easily transportedand exchanged when there is good road network. Furthermore, the more accessible arethe inhabited areas the more it will reect in the psychological component, by slowingthe process of migration from village to city, due to the possibility for several availableutilities: healthy environment and availability of services found in the urban areas. Ifequal development is really sought, the Republic of Macedonia has to take serious stepsfor construction of good road network through all inhabited areas.

At the same time, the unemployment as a characteristic increases the social exclusionand the level of uncertainty (especially the prolonged unemployment), and it is presentas the main problem in all focus communities.

The data state that the role of the woman and her inclusion, especially on the level ofvillage, is insucient and marginalized. That is why in the future an eort is needed forthis problem to be overcome. The engagement of the CSOs regarding this issue is ofspecial importance, since the woman is active as a producer of income and running thehousehold in the rural area.

Also, the fact that in the villages, the primary activity is mainly agriculture, which isperformed by individuals, is particularly important to support models of horizontalcooperation in order to secure help and support to the solution of the eventual problems.13It is recommended that creation of cooperative ethics and relations of cooperation arefacilitated, for joint development and progress.

13 Namely, as small farmers or agricultural producers without built organizational capacity it is easyto experience disappointment due to certain problem or failure


47/81

4

STUDYON

THECONDITIONSIN

THERURALCOMMUNITIES

Although at rst sight the protection of the environment does not seem to be moreimportant than the other problems, it is a telling element. The rural areas have problemswith construction of capacities on inappropriate locations or the investors do not wantto decrease their own prot, for the good of the local community which provides the

natural resources. There are number of examples in the focus groups where the immoralinvestors or local inhabitants destroy the environment: sand exploitation from the riverbasins by which the environment is degraded; sending out acid in the near-by

Date post:	29-May-2018
Category:	Documents
View:	218 times
Download:	0 times

Study on the conditions in the rural communities

Documents