Serbian municipal utilities grapple with rising debt

Financial reports show that six public enterprises in Novi Pazar have accumulated liabilities exceeding two billion dinars. The bulk of this burden – more than 1.1 billion dinars – belongs to the public heating company “Gradska toplana”. The other utilities, including “Gradska čistoća”, “Vodovod i kanalizacija” and the city‑building directorate, also show increasing short‑ and long‑term obligations.

In the neighbouring town of Tuzi, the water supply company reports unpaid bills amounting to about €200,000 owed by households and firms. Director Ilir Camaj attributes much of the arrears to seasonal users, illegal connections and limited billing capacity. The company has allocated €40 000 for new pump equipment and plans further investments to extend water service to nearby hill settlements in cooperation with local authorities.