engleski

Providing local infrastructure services in less developed community in Croatia. The case of utility services provision in Benkovac, Croatia.

This policy research aims to explore the performance of a Croatian local government unit in ensuring infrastructure services for development. Using the case study of Town of Benkovac, we have examined the arrangements and mechanisms applied in local utility provision. To approach Benkovac utility provision case analysis, we have first analyzed the overall environment to introduce accountability arrangements in Croatia: corruption prevalence, new public procurement legislation and Croatian LGUs' capabilities to introduce accountability arrangements. Since utility provision is budget-financed in Benkovac, we have started the case study research with the Town of Benkovac budget analysis and by surveying the accountability of budget process in Benkovac. Compared to other Croatian LGUs, Benkovac performs better in making its financial statements publicly available and expressing positive attitude towards public involvement in budget process. Improvements are needed regarding control mechanisms applied, monitoring of budget execution, making budget draft publicly available and establishing irregularity management procedures. The most important efforts should be made to introduce regular checking of public satisfaction with local programs and to ensure external monitoring of LGUs activities by citizens, media, NGOs. Using the methodology of structured interviews with Town of Benkovac authorities and utility services suppliers (two local public utility companies), we have described and analyzed the practice of utility services and infrastructure provision in Benkovac. It was assessed in terms of priorities and budget planning, supervising and monitoring effective deliveries, managing public procurement procedures, public reporting on results, promoting accountable practices with suppliers, building credibility with users, institutional barriers and professional expertise, and anti-corruption activities. For each of the aforementioned we have identified examples of good practice as well as issues to be improved.

utility provision; local community; accountability; corruption

Projekt je sufinancirao Open Society Institute Foundation, Zug.