Albanians Voice Opinion on Local Government in Survey

Albanians Voice Opinion on Local Government in Survey

TIRANA June 25, 2008  The Institute for Development Research and Alternatives (IDRA) released findings from a Local Governance Survey, sponsored by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at the Tirana International Hotel. The survey presented the views of citizens in 20 cities on such issues as how well cities are performing, the responsiveness and trustworthiness of city authorities, and on prospects for economic growth in their cities. The main findings are as follows:

• Employment/lack of employment opportunities is the primary concern in all cities surveyed with the exception of Himarë. Economic problems and poverty/social issues are also mentioned as major concerns. Weak infrastructure also appears to be a problem facing all cities, according to citizens.
• Most citizens think that the economy is either “Stagnant” or “Declining.” When asked about their living standards compared to 12 months ago, a majority in each city maintained that it has either stayed the same or worsened.
• Satisfaction with public services varies by city. Citizens are generally satisfied with drinking water supply and street lighting, and less satisfied with roads and sewage service. Aspects of municipal services, such as behavior of city employees, timeliness, convenience of office hours and clear procedures, are positively rated. Rating on the ability to solve problems, getting access to the right person, and feelings of trust and confidence varies in each city. 
• Generally, tourism and construction are thought to be the most promising sectors for economic growth according to citizens. However, there are differences from city to city.
• The majority of citizens think that their local government does a poor job of encouraging and managing economic growth. But there is optimism about the future role of local government in managing economic growth.
• In principle, citizens favor local government borrowing. In most of the cities, the majority of citizens responded favorably to the idea. When asked if they would still favor the idea if it results in higher tariffs for citizens, however, many citizens expressed reluctance.

Carried out in April 2008, the survey is based on a random sample of 4,774 citizens in 20 cities, 10 “target” cities (cities selected for USAID assistance) and 10 “controls” for a total sample of 4,774 and a margin of error of +/- 4.8.

USAID’s partner municipalities are: Fier, Fushë Krujë, Gramsh, Himarë, Korçë, Kukës, Lezhë, Librazhd, Pogradec, and Shkodër. In those cities, USAID will encourage and facilitate local economic growth in order to increase investment, create jobs, raise incomes and expand the municipal tax base. USAID will also assist staff in the ten municipalities on functions including tax collection, asset management, budgeting, procurement, and service provision. The three year, $7.3 million project will strengthen involvement of local groups and businesses in the local government process. 

Click here to read the report: Local Government Survey 2008  [PDF, 1.48MB]

Complete results are available from IDRA: Rr. "Ismail Qemali" 34/1, Ap 1/3, Tirana, Phone: 04-2253352, email: idra@albic.net

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The findings in this survey represent the responses of the citizens of Albania. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.