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Municipal Environmental Governance (MEG) Project


The project last phase will ensure consolidation of its previous results and support relevant institutions at different government levels in taking full responsibility for continuing the reforms in the areas of local governance and water sector beyond project duration. Local governments, particularly underdeveloped ones, will be supported in sustainably improving their performance and quality of water services for their citizens.

RegionCountry Topic Period Budget
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Governance
nothemedefined
Public sector policy
Decentralisation
Democratic participation and civil society
01.03.2026 - 28.02.2030
 CHF  3’230’000
Technical description
Background There are 145 local governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and they are key providers of essential public services including water services. However, service delivery is frequently inefficient due to limited human and fiscal capacities of local governments. These are particularly pressing issues for underdeveloped local governments. Water utility companies operate under local government jurisdiction. Many of these companies are not financially self-sustainable, posing long-term risks to service reliability and access to safely managed drinking water for all citizens.
Target Local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina is more democratic and accountable, with improved and inclusive water and wastewater services.
Target group Up to 25 local governments and their water utilities, citizens across the country and of the target local governments in particular, vulnerable population groups who receive subsidies for water services, civil servants and water utility employees.
Outcomes
  1. The governments at all levels institutionalize and apply performance-driven policies that strengthen sustainability, inclusivity, and gender responsiveness in service delivery.
  2. Improved water sector policy and regulatory frameworks enable local governments to deliver inclusive, accountable, and high-quality water and wastewater services that all citizens benefit of, including the most vulnerable.
Results

Expected Results:  

  • Institutional coordination and capacity for performance-oriented and inclusive local governance are established.
  • Procedures, tools, and policies are upscaled to modernize local governance structures and enable transparent, inclusive, and citizen-centred service delivery.
  • Institutional coordination is enhanced, and policies created to advance frameworks for improved water and wastewater services.
  • Capacities of local governments and water utility companies are in place to deliver smart and sustainable local water services.


Results from previous phase:   Good local governance standards were introduced, aiming at improving performance of local governments. The European Common Assessment Framework, an EU quality management tool for public sector organisations, has been adjusted for local governments and applied in 21% of these. The overall citizens’ satisfaction with municipal services has been significantly increased. More than 1.5 million people in BiH (approx. 50%) are now using safely managed drinking water services, and 25% of local governments have introduced subsidy mechanisms for water services for the vulnerable population. The reform of the water services sector is advancing, new legal framework and country-wide benchmarking system for water services are developed.


Agency SDC
Project Partners Contract Partner
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • United Nations Development Programme


Projects Coordination Swiss supported projects: Strengthening of Associations of Municipalities and Cities, Civil Society Support Project, SDG Partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland, Water and Sanitation Services Modernization Project, Wastewater Management Project in Zenica, Regional Capacity Development Network +, Utilities of the Future. The project will also capitalize on recently finalized project Strengthening the Role of Local Communities.
Budget Current Phase Swiss Budget CHF    3’230’000 Swiss Disbursement Till Know CHF    0 Budget Inclusive Project Partner CHF    6’885’000 Total Project Since First Phase Swiss Budget CHF   18’270’000 Budget Inclusive Project Partner CHF   21’500’000
Project Phases

Phase 3 01.03.2026 - 28.02.2030   (Active)

Phase 2 01.04.2021 - 28.02.2026   (Current Phase) Phase 1 01.07.2014 - 31.03.2021   (Completed)
  • DAC Sector GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
    GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
    GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Public sector policy and administrative management
    Decentralisation and support to subnational government (incl. accountability)
    Democratic participation and civil society
    Policy Marker Conflict reduction
    The project supports partner organisation improvements as a priority
    Aid Type Project and programme contribution
    Project Number

    7F08325

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Last update 09.05.2025