Improving the Management, Operations and Efficiency of Utility Infrastructure Systems

As a new system of local government evolves, mayors and other officials face new responsibilities and challenges. This report aims to provide practical suggestions for improving the management and operation of utility infrastructure systems within the existing legal and regulatory framework. The report was prepared by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) with the assistance of the Federation of Municipalities, and funding was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The infrastructure system in Romania is divided into several specific areas of service, including water supply, delivery, and treatment systems; canalization (sewage collection and treatment) systems; solid waste collection and disposal; and district heating services. These services are managed and operated by public corporations (Regii Autonome) which are subordinated to local government. The allocation of responsibilities between different levels of government and between Regii and local government are being reconsidered, with mayors and city councils likely to be given increased authority over the planning, management, financing, and construction of infrastructure systems. An action plan for infrastructure improvements will have five components, based on the successful program initiated by the Mayor of Craiova. The first component is organization/policy decision-making authority, which involves identifying key managers of the Regia and forming a committee to make improvements in service levels. The second component is a system survey, which evaluates each infrastructure system area to determine current service levels and define areas of concern. The third component is action plan development, which prepares an action plan that defines the action steps necessary to begin the improvement process. The fourth component is project prioritization, which determines the improvements that are most cost-effective and easiest to implement. The fifth component is project audit, which evaluates the results of the action plan and identifies additional activities that are cost-justified. Other suggestions for improving infrastructure systems include focusing efforts on revenue collection and management, metering, water conservation, education, and recycling, personnel training, strategic planning, electric water heating at individual locations, fixed assets and operating procedures documentation, and initiate a refuse composting program. These suggestions aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure systems, reduce costs, and provide better services to citizens.