Study On The Conditions in The Rural Communities

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS
IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

13 focus communities wherein MCIC conducts its activities
Publisher
Macedonian Center for International Cooperation
For the publisher

Saso Klekovski
Executive Director

Authors
Natasa Gaber-Damjanoska
Klime Babunski
Aneta Jovevska
Project Team
Dimce Mitreski
Miodrag Kolic
Neda Maleska-Sacmaroska
Proof-read
Daniel Medaroski
Design and Prepress

Koma lab. Skopje
Printing house
Boro Grafika, Skopje
Skopje, October 2007
This report has been produced thanks to the financial support of EED-Germany.
The opinions expressed herein belong to the authors and do not reflect neither the
opinions of the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation nor those of EED-
Germany.
Copyright © 2007 Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC), Skopje. All
rights reserved.
CIP – Katalogizacija vo publikacija

Nacionalna i univerzitetska biblioteka “Sv. Kliment Ohridski”.
Skopje
352:316.334.55(497.7)”2006”
GABER – Damjanovska, Nataša

Study on the conditions in the rural communities : 13 fokus communities wherein MCIC
conducts its activities / [author Nataša Gaber-Damjanovska, Klime Babunski, Aneta Jovevska ;
project team Dimce Mitreski, Miodrag Kolic, Neda Maleska-Sacmaroska], - Skopje ; Macedonion
Center for Internacional Cooperation, 2007, - 80 str. ; ilustr. ; 25 sm
Fusnoti kon tekstot
ISBN 978-9989-102-56-1
1. Babunski, Klime [avtor] 2. Jovevska, Aneta [avtor]
a) Op{tini, selski Makedonija – 2006
COBISS.MK-ID 71002122
Contents
PREFACE
Abbreviations
1. Executive summary
2. Introduction
2.1 Background
2.2 Goals
2.3 Methodology and approach
3. Statistical data on the focus communities
4. Conditions in the municipalities
4.1 Development initiatives (projects, programmes) which are realized in the
municipalities
4.2 Advantages of municipalities
4.3 Disadvantages of municipalities
4.4 Regional problems
4.5 Role of the municipality in overcoming problems
4.6 Vision for development of the community
4.7 The role of the local community in the municipality
4.8 The process of decentralization has (not) lead to improvement of the work of
the municipality
5. Degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the service
providers
5.1 Public utility enterprise
5.2 Water supply and sewerage
5.3 Road network and transportation
5.4 Power supplies and PTT services
5.5 Educational services
5.6 Health services
5.7 Social aid
444
444
5.8 Cadastre
5.9 Ecology
5.10 Satisfaction from service providers
5.11 Satisfaction from the employees in the municipal departments
5.12 Services lacking in the focus communities
5.13 Direct assistance by the government for the local needs
5.14 Problems in the daily working of ULS
5.15 General assessment of the quality of living in the municipality
5.16 Presence of civic activism in the focus communities
5.17 Motives for living in the rural area
6. Concluding findings and recommendations
6.1 Social exclusion in the rural communities
6.2 Need for local strategic planning
Bibliography
ANNEXES:
TABLE 1 – REALIZED PROJECTS
TABLE 2 – FINANCING OF PROJECTS
TABLE 3 – ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES IN A MUNICIPALITY
TABLE 4 – ASSESSMENT ON THE DECENTRALIZATION
TABLE 5 – UTILITY AND OTHER KINDS OF SERVICES FOR THE CITIZENS
TABLE 6 – SERVICES LACKING IN THE MUNICIPALITY
TABLE 7 – SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT (LISTED BY
PRIORITY)
TABLE 8 – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TABLE 9 – COOPERATION OF ULS WITH CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS
TABLE 10 – OBJECTIVE DATA
Preface
The Macedonian Center for International Cooperation
(MCIC) has been an active actor in the development of the
local communities and capacity in the area of civil society
sector and local self-government, for several years. For
a while, these activities were performed without many
common points, i.e., they were not complementary
to each other. However, presently, faced with the big
challenge of decentralization, the need of exchange of
experience and joint actions has been emphasized.
In 2006, MCIC started with realization of the three

year programme Local Development of Communities
(LRZ) 2006 – 2008, which, as a basis, has the positive
experience from the previously conducted programme
Enabling Communities and Institutions (OZI) 2001 – 2005.
It is continuation of the MCIC’s activities in the region of
the rural communities’ capacity building.
The Study on the Conditions in the Rural Focus

Communities represents one of the initial activities,
realized in the framework of the LRZ Programme. It is a
base-line research on the needs of the programme as
well as the local communities themselves.
The information found in the Study provides an

overview of the conditions in the focus communities in
the LRZ Programme, in 2006, which may represent a
basis for comparison and measurement of the progress
of the development of these rural communities.
The Study poses more questions and challenges

before the entire communities with regards to the
conditions of the rural communities in Republic of
Macedonia and calls for increased attention and
commitment to their progress, development and
inclusion.
Abbrevtations
LRZ – Local Development of Communities
ULS – Units of local self-government
MCIC – Macedonian Center for International Cooperation
ZELS – Association of Units of Local Self-Government in Republic of Macedonia
LC – Local community
CSO – Civil society organizations
WB – The World Bank
USAID – United States Agency for International Development
CARDS – Financial instrument of EU for reconstruction, development
and stabilization of the countries in the Western Balkan
FOSIM – Foundation Institute Open Society Macedonia
UNICEF – United Nations Childrens’ Fund
IOM – International Organization for Migration
FC – Focus groups
PRO – Public Revenues Office
PUE – Public Utility Enterprise
VAT – Value Added Tax
LEAP – Local ecological action plan
LED – Local economic development
PPP – Public-Private Partnership
PHP – Programme for Health Protection
ISJPR – Institute for Sociological, Judicial and Political Research

1. Executive Summary
The Macedonian village encompasses 86.7% from the national area and 40.2%
from the entire population have their residence in the villages. A number of villages in
the Republic has suffered from demographic, economic and social decomposition, in
the last decade. Approximately 60% from the Macedonian villages are in the process of
depopulation, especially in the mountainous regions. It is an indisputable fact that the
village population has low income and unsolved elementary infrastructural needs in the
village communities.
A stable and sustainable development of the rural and marginalized communities
can be achieved through stimulation of the local economic activities and balanced
social and economic development, in line with the efforts for protection of the human
environment.
This sublime goal seeks fulfilment of several crucial prerequisites on behalf of the
state, local self-government and business sector.
What is recommended is stronger and more direct communication among the
business entities, local self-government and local inhabitants (a significantly missing link
due to the erratic privatization so far, and the total exclusion of the local government and
inhabitants), in order to influence the actors who make profits. These are to be encouraged
to provide their contribution for equal development of their local community.
In order to provide more enabling environment for development of public and private
STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

initiatives, it is recommended that the local governments should develop appropriate
local strategies for economic development, which will correspond to the specifics
of each of the municipality. This, in turn, will result in appropriate programming and
planning of the LED by the municipalities and joint institutions, in each of the planning
area of interest. Among other things, the opportunities for public-private partnerships
(PPP) should be explored, as well programmes for promotion of PPP.
The process of decentralization represents a capability for strategic planning in
various areas, which implies that a competent and complex effort is needed. This will
result in bringing fundamental decisions and actions that will model and direct the future
action of the organizations or institutions of the local community. The focus communities
have to prioritize their own needs, on the basis of which these local strategies would be
created.
With view of providing an effective and efficient implementation of the recently
adopted Law on Equal Regional Development (May 2007), an identification of possible
local actors, needs and interest for inter-municipal cooperation is recommended.
It is important to stress that there are already several initiatives and activities within
the focus rural communities, which represent a good foundation for future endeavours.
Overview of municipalities encompassed by the Study on the Conditions in the

Rural Communities
Overview of municipalities encompassed
by the Study on the Conditions
in the Rural Communities
Saraj
FOCUS MUNICIPALITIES:
1. Staro Nagorce
2. Mogila
3. Caska
4. Zelino
5. Tearce
6. Dolneni
7. Karbinci
8. Lozovo
9. Konce
10. Saraj
11. Jegunovce
12. Prilep
13. Veles
2. Introduction
2.1 Background of the Study
It seems that the communities do not pay sufficient attention to the need for
previous elaboration and significant knowledge about the conditions and relations
within their boundaries, in the process of defining their strategic perspectives for
future development and adoption of decisions for concrete interventions. The
common practice in the decision-making process in the communities is ad-hoc or
donor driven.
On the other hand, the inexistence of detailed data on the conditions of the
target group at the beginning of the implementation of the programme interventions
makes the true appraisal of the achievements, in mid-term and final assessment,
impossible.
Thus, there was a need of systematic research on the conditions in the focus
communities, for the LRZ Programme which at the same time will be used as a base-
line study for the programme.
The Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC) has entrusted

the realization of the Survey and analysis on the conditions in the rural focus
communities within the LRZ Programme to the Institute for Sociological, Judicial and
Political Research (ISJPR). The Survey was conducted during the period of November-
December 2006.

2.2 Goals
The goal of the Study on the Conditions Within the Rural Communities
is contribution to incentives for initiatives for solution of the problems in the
communities.
The specific objective of the Study is to serve in the process of identification

of challenges, needs, advantages and priorities of the focus rural communities for
appropriate design and definitions of project activities within the LRZ Programme.
The available information should provide clear identification on the present

conditions and problems in the communities, and at the same time render definition
of strategic directions for future development possible as well as enabling a decision-
making process for concrete programme and project initiatives.
Also, the existence of the initial data on the conditions in the rural communities,
included in the LRZ Programme will result in improved measurement of the

achievements of the interventions, after the completion of the various development
initiatives in these communities. The programme interventions introduce systems for
measurement of the achievements which should be checked and adjusted to the actual
situation in the target area and group.
2.3 Methodology and approach

The Survey was conducted by means of several methodological procedures:
1. Collection of statistical indicators and data on the communities in the focus of

the Survey;
2. Realization of focus groups with leaders and/or people employed in the
municipality (management structures), and service providers (from the area of
education, utility enterprises etc.), representatives of the business sector and
local civil society organizations;
3. Realization of focus groups with representatives of the citizens and local
communities, which are recipients of the services.
The Survey included 13 rural focus communities, identified for the requirements
of the project. These focus communities are: Staro Nagoricane, Mogila, Caska, Zelino,
Tearce, Dolneni, Karbinci, Lozovo, Konce, Saraj, Jegunovce and the surrounding rural
areas in the vicinity of Prilep and Veles. In each of them two focus groups were realized,
one with the service providers and management structures and one with the inhabitants
of this community. The discussions were held according to semi-structured questions.
10
3. Statistical data
on the focus communities
In the charts that follow certain statistical parameters are presented on the basis of
which the conditions among the communities included in these projects are comparable.
The profiles of the municipalities date from 2002. The conditions in the villages in the
vicinity of Veles and Prilep are not presented, as it was not possible to systematize them
in group data.
Municipality Total in- Number Birth rate Num- Number of House-

habitants of inhab- ber of members of holds
(2002) ited areas house- househol. with one
holds member
Mogila 4.536 13 -4,1 1.259 3,6 2,6
Dolneni 11.583 35 3,8 3.322 3,5 3,6
Staro
4.258 32 -12,5 1.462 2,9 7,4
Nagoricane
Caska 2.878 15 10,4 813 3,5 3,0
Zelino 24.390 18 18,7 5.226 4,7 0,3
Tearce 22.454 13 6,0 5.095 4,4 0,9
Karbinci 4.012 29 0,5 1.212 3,3 3,7
Lozovo 2.858 11 1,8 899 3,2 4,1

Konce 3.536 14 8,4 1.057 3,3 2,1
Saraj 24.253 16 16,7 5.667 4,3 0,4
Jegunovce 7.227 11 2,1 1.687 4,3 1,3
According to the data, municipalities with highest number of inhabitants are found in
Saraj, Zelino and Tearce, whereas least inhabited are the municipalities of Caska and
Konce. The municipalities of Dolneni, Staro Nagoricane and Karbinci have the most
inhabited areas, whereas the positive birth rate is the highest in Zelino and Saraj. Highest
negative birth rate is registered in the municipality of Staro Nagoricane, wherein the
one-member households are mostly found.
As to illustrate, in 2002 the total bithr rate in Macedonia amounted to 1,6 which means
that simple reproduction of the population is not provided in the country as a whole.
On the other hand, the migration from rural to urban areas is very dynamic. The inter-
UNDP “Profile of the municipalities in Macedonia”, UNDP, Ministry of Local Self-Government, State
Statistical Bureau, November 2004 (The data refer to the municipalities defined according to the
territorial organization of Republic of Macedonia before 2004)
UNDP, „Social and economic disparities among the municipalities in Macedonia”, UNDP and the
Ministry of Local Self-Government, November 2004, page 18 11
municipality migrations were most intensive in the regions of Skopje (73,4%) and
Pelagonija (70,4%), whereas relative lower percentage of migrations is found in the
Vardar, southwest and southeast regions as well as Polog region (from 64,9% to 67,7%),
whereas least intensive migrations are found in the northeast (51%) and east region
(56%).
Municipality Connection Connection Point of PHP Local roads Number of

to public to sewerage (primary posts
water sup- health pro-
ply tection)
Mogila 86,3 0,2 4 58 2
Dolneni 72,2 2,3 7 110 4
Staro
19,8 0,2 4 214 3
Nagoricane
Caska 80,3 49,8 3 48 1
Zelino 8,3 1,4 3 94 2
Tearce 98,9 2,4 6 53 1
Karbinci 82,1 3,5 6 108 2
Lozovo 67,2 32,1 2 133 1
Konce 88,4 11,9 2 102 1
Saraj 62,6 5,6 2 62 1
Jegunovce 60,3 17,9 3 27 2
The municipalities of Tearce, Konce and Mogila have the highest percentage of
connections to the public water supply system, whereas the least number of connections
is registered in Zelino and Staro Nagoricane. The connection to the sewerage system is
on profoundly low level. Only Caska and Lozovo fare better with regards to this issue.
Lozovo has the highest number of local roads’ kilometres whereas Jegunovce has the
lowest.
To illustrate further, Macedonia as a state has total of 13,182 kilometres of categorized

road network (as of 2002), 957 of which are highway roads, 3,623 regional and 8,394 km.
are local roads. Only 208 km. belong to motorways. The Macadam roads are mostly
used in the rural areas, the newly formed habitats as part of the urban centres and in the
tourist places with inurbane communications. During the period from 1998 to 2002 the
length of these roads registers a small increase (from 1,123 to 1,214 km.). Similar trend is
registered with regards to the kilometres of earth (local) roads, where the newly formed
local self-governments show success in provision of funds from the central government
for building such roads.
Same, page 22
UNDP, „Social and economic disparities among the municipalities in Macedonia”, UNDP and the
Ministry of Local Self-Government, November 2004,
12 Same, page 71
The public (i.e. the local bus) transport displays various trends in different inhabited
areas. Practically, it shows signs of decrease. For an example, in Kriva Palanka (from
0,42 in 1998 t o0,33 in 2002) and in Bitola (from 3,37 in 1998 to 0,53 in 2002). The cases
of increase are registered in Tetovo (from 3,22 in 1998 to 12,87 in 2002) and Skopje (from
0,61 in 1998 to 0,78 in 2002).
Municipality Regular Students % of chil- Rate of lite- Public costs

elementary per teacher dren from racy of per- for educa-
school 7 to 14 in sons over tion per
elementary 10 years of inhabitant
school age
Mogila 10 12 87,3 93,5 1.516
Dolneni 20 13 101,2 93,4 3.274
Staro
13 8 98,6 87,6 4.702
Nagoricane
Caska 3 16 90,4 95,2 6.476
Zelino 17 17 90,6 95,8 2.784
Tearce 8 16 84,8 95,1 2.519
Karbinci 10 13 97,2 86,4 0
Lozovo 5 14 95,7 93,2 3.432
Konce 6 14 83,6 94,1 2.376
Saraj 14 15 93,6 96,0 1.486
Jegunovce 10 15 99,0 96,3 2.725

The data from the municipality of Staro Nagoricane confirm time and again that the
populations is growing older, the number of pupils is decreasing, in reverse proportionality
to the costs of education per inhabitant. It is evident that the degree of literacy is related
to the average age of the inhabitants in these municipalities.
Same, page 72
13
Municipality Active en- Rate of Rate of Long- Public en- Civil
terprises unem- unem- term terprises society
ployment ployment unem- organi-
(% of la- within ploy- zations
bour) youth ment
Mogila 49 30,3 66,6 89,8 0 1
Dolneni 59 75,9 92,2 91,2 1 3
Staro
24 35,5 75,0 88,0 1 3
Nagoricane
Caska 24 40,5 70,8 88,9 1 94 (?)
Zelino 137 79,4 92,1 84,6 1 0
Tearce 142 62,3 84,2 87,5 2 0
Karbinci 41 47,0 64,6 100,0 1 0
Lozovo 27 46,2 74,6 83,6 1 0
Konce 50 15,9 51,4 73,7 1 0
Saraj 188 63,1 86,2 94,0 1 29
Jegunovce 74 52,7 74,0 87,4 1 0
14
4. Conditions in the municipality
4.1. Development initiatives (projects, programmes) which
are realized in the municipalities, their financing, and the
initiative thereof
It is interesting to note that in the municipalities of Saraj, Tearce and Zelino there is
the highest number of registered enterprises. Still, the rate of unemployment, especially
within the young people, is very high, similar to the rate of long-term unemployment.
Almost in all of the municipalities encompassed in this research certain projects have
been realized, mostly in the areas of:
4 construction of water supply or sewerage system;
4 construction or repair of local roads;
4 repair of school objects.
Moreover, other programme activities have been realized, however, with lower level of
frequency. Namely, these activities have been focused on:
4 construction of sports facilities (5 municipalities);
4 forestation (5 municipalities);

4 realization of educational programmes in the framework of schools (6
municipalities);
4 interventions in the municipal building (3 municipalities);
4 interventions in health facility (2 municipalities);
4 culture (2 municipalities);
4 other (publishing bulletin, CSO’s projects, street lights, trainings, etc.).
However, evident are cases wherein, in certain villages, during the last few years, no
activities have been registered for improvement of the conditions in certain segments of
living (see annex table 1 on Realized projects in the focus communities).
“I come from the village of Slivnik, which is 13 kilometres from Veles. It is a village
with number of problems for which we have sought assistance for several
times now, however, to no effect. We were not invited once for talks with the
municipality. Except for 2006 when we received 30 bags of cement for building
the village fountain. Having in mind the circumstances, the speaker points out
that the normal living in the village is threatened. “Mud, no sewerage, outdated
water supply system, aggravated infrastructure – a catastrophe. Children
go to school on foot or by bus. More than 100 families are facing with lack of 15
elementary supplies. It is shameful since we are supposed to be living in the 21st
century.
The general impression is that the realized development programmes and projects
are not part of some global development concept of the government or more general
strategy but to a large extent result of citizens’ initiatives (self-financing) and lobbying
before the local government.
“Rarely do we receive projects since our village is the least developed in the area,
located among Tetovo and the municipality of Zelino. They (government) do not
pay much attention to the village”.
With regards to this context, special contribution was provided by various domestic
and foreign donors. Depending on the area in which the projects were realized, it may
be noted that their financing is provided by various sources. Thus, with reference to
the segment of water supply and sewerage, in most cases the funds are provided by
self-financing and municipality, but also from funds provided by other subjects and
programmes (MCIC, CIP, CARDS, the World Bank, USAID, TIKA and other). Only in two
cases the government has intervened for these needs (Karbinci – Fund for National
and Regional Roads of the Republic of Macedonia and Tearce – Ministry of Agriculture),
which is an indication of its own. With reference to programmes linked to improvement
of the road network, most often the funds were provided through programmes such as
CARDS, AMPEP, SIDA, World Bank, UNDP and in one case through the Fund for National
and Regional Roads of the Republic of Macedonia.
In financing of educational programmes, besides foreign donors (Dutch Embassy, USAID,

World Bank, Swiss Agency for Renewal and Development, IOM-NDC, CARDS, AMPEP,
FOSIM,UNICEF and other) only in one case as a financier the Ministry of Education is
found (see Annex Table 2 on the financiers of listed initiatives or projects, presented in
a table).
4.2. Advantages of the municipalities
One can note that the perceptions of the speakers in the focus groups on the advantages
of their municipality do not differ significantly. Namely, according to the speakers, what
makes their municipality more attractive than the others, can be listed as:
4 healthy environment and natural monuments, as an advantage for development
of village tourism;
4 development of agriculture and stock-breeding;
4 processing of ecologically sound food.
Yet, despite this, some of the municipalities feel that among the advantages of their
municipality can be found also the good positioning, good infrastructure, cultural
monuments, good ethnic relations, young and qualified labour, etc. However, these
advantages are still not used as resources, the blame for which is mainly attributed to
the negative economic policy implemented by the state, i.e. lack of stimulating credit
16 policy which would provide incentives for the small enterprises.
“We receive neither artificial fertilizer, nor seed, and the fuel is expensive..., we
receive little in return for our produce. There is no point in being a farmer when
we register loss.”
“The problem is in crediting. The mortgages are problem. This is a challenge

for the state, if it wants rural development, not only to speak about it. We do
not receive certificates to confirm our property, and also the knowledge or
programme we apply with are considered unimportant. There are high interest
rates and similar. It is all hindrance for the rural areas. That is why the business
goes to town not to village.”
“The tobacco, fruit, wood industry can flourish in our area. The problem is
unfavourable crediting. Which bank will give funds to a farmer? They consider our
property of no value. And where there is no mortgage there can be no credit.”
Also, part of the problems can be attributed to the mentality of the inhabitants, especially
with reference to the culture of living as a precondition for development of the village
tourism. One can notice that the natural beauties, by itself, do not suffice as a condition
for development of this kind of tourism. The lack of awareness for proper hygiene in the
villages is another problem.
“We don’t care if it is clean or not. It is not enough if the nature is beautiful. When
people come and see where we throw the garbage and the quantity of it, no one
would want to stay. See, everything is littered with plastics”.
In spite of this situation, several focus communities, have large potential for development

of tourism and recreation. These are the communities of Staro Nagoricane, with certain
monuments of national value (hunting areas, Pelince, Kokino, local monasteries and
churches, historical monuments), Saraj (with Matka, monasteries, the recreational lake of
Treska, and similar) as well as the villages in the area of Prilep, for tourist and recreational
purposes. Some of these cultural monuments and natural attractions, although under
state auspices, are not protected, maintained or promoted as they should be (see Annex
Table 3 on the advantages, weaknesses in the municipalities and regional problems).
4.3. Disadvantages of the municipalities
The speakers in the focus groups feel that the life in the village has number of problems:
hard living, increased level of migration, lack of perspective. As key problems which
define the quality of living in the village the following were listed:
4 aggravated infrastructure;
4 incomplete coverage with water supply network, which represents a reason for
using water for technical purposes only;
4 lack of sewerage system. 17
“We live in the 21st century and we do not have the vital utilities – road and
sewerage. These are not economic problems we are discussing; these are
existential issues”.
“We do not seek a factory, employment, we talk about elementary utilities:

road, sewerage and water”.
Thus, as common problems, the following occur:

4 lack of initiative and trained staff;
4 Law on Treatment of Natural Resources, as well as unfavourable systemic
solutions which leave permanent consequences on the environment;
4 inaccessibility to health services;
4 no sports facilities and playgrounds;
4 no hydro systems for irrigation;
4 illegal waste sites and unorganized waste disposal;
4 low level of environmental awareness of the citizens.
“We have people with small property, for example 5-6 hectares of grape or no
land at all, and yet, there we have 15,000 or 16,000 hectares of arable land given
through concessions to several firms. The division of land was not justly made.
We, as a municipality, have submitted a programme to the Government wherein
we seek that all social cases have to receive 5 hectares each. However, we still
have not received any feedback from the Government”.
Precisely, these problems for the speakers, are reason that almost in no village, in the
mentioned municipalities, there is a private initiative for investments. More precisely,
the only “business” that exists in the village is the unlawful deforestation” which results
in complete deforestation in the neighbouring areas. Although the inhabitants in the
village (Zelino) are aware that this is for the benefit of several persons only, they find
justification for these activities, since:
“The village is poor, not everyone can afford to buy wood for the winter”.
(See Annex Table 3 on the advantages, weaknesses in the municipalities and regional
problems).
4.4. Regional problems
Of course, part of the problems are reflection of the unsolved regional problems. Thus,
their solution foresees inclusion of larger circle of stakeholders. As regional problems,
the participants in the focus group identify the following:
18 4 development of agriculture;
4 lack of development of economy and unemployment;
4 marble exploitation;
4 aggravated infrastructure;
4 water supply problems;
4 power supply problems;
4 the Kalimancy channel;
4 the unresolved status of the construction land;
4 no road signalization;
4 procedure by which the arable land is allocated;
4 manner of management with forests and waters.
“This is a problem of our municipality and the region. The state should give the
land to the municipalities, and the farmers should make use of it. This will result
in positive development for the village. The regional units have to divide the land
according to the size of the municipality. This should be done, and in such manner
we can provide for our families. This land is now given to people not related to
the municipality, and we work for them for day’s pay (Konce – citizens).
“The regional road which links 4 municipalities is half built, however, we do

need additional income, and have in mind this road is very important for the
development of the region. It is an inter-municipal road”. (Karbinci – leaders)
The problem with large number of singles, i.e. young unmarried people who live in these

focus communities is especially prominent in Dolneni and Staro Nagoricane. Most of
these are male singles who have difficulties in finding female in order to have family in
the rural environment. This fact (alongside the migration of the young population) is one
of the main reasons for the decrease of birth rate and decrease of the population in these
areas. It should be noted that these comments were also mentioned in the other focus
groups.
(See Annex Table 3 on the advantages, weaknesses in the municipalities and regional
problems, presented in a table).
4.5. Role of the municipality in overcoming problems
According to the stances of the focus groups’ speakers, the positive perceptions on
the role of the municipality in the domain of its responsibilities prevails. This attitude
is shared by the representatives of almost all villages, independently of their status
– citizens or leaders. An exception of this rule is registered only in Zelino, Tearce and
Konce, who were more neutral regarding the assessment of the role of the municipality
(positive or negative).
19
The lack of financial means is a problem which limits the working of the municipality. All
municipalities have still not formed their own development offices or have vision for
local development. In some of the focus groups of citizens these do not possess anything
similar to this information. The information regarding the events in the municipalities
is mainly realized through announcements pasted on the sounding boards or on the
doors of the near-by shops and local communities. Only in one of the municipalities
(Jegunovce) an annual bulletin is published, containing the most significant information
regarding the municipality, whereas a web page, as means of information dissemination,
is used by the municipality of Prilep. In any case, the information represents a problem
for the citizens, especially due to the fact that the municipalities do not have their own
radio station, through which, in time, the necessary information to the citizens would
be disseminated. That is perhaps the reason why the participants in the focus groups
are critical towards the model of communication between citizens and local self-
government.
“There is no information provided to us regarding the problems. The citizens are

only interesting to the municipality in time of elections. In the mean time, no one
is interested in us.”
It can be inferred that forms of consultations with the inhabitants or any kind of
communication model on the issues of interest to all inhabitants in these villages are
missing.
By all means, there are still opposite examples. Namely, certain level of content is found
in Karbinci, with regards to the degree of communication and manner of provision of
timely information.
4.6. Vision for development of the community
Only a part of the participants in the focus group of citizens (Jegunovce, Karbinci) are
introduced to the fact that there is document defining the directions for development of
the municipality. Others either do not know about it, or were not included in any of the
phases of identification of the possible development goals.
Surely the answers to this question for the focus group of citizens is to an extent
determined by the level of their knowledge, i.e. the registered communicational
uncoordinated relations of citizens – municipality. Thus, it seems that it is entirely logical
that answers to this question are provided by the representatives of the municipalities
in the focus groups of leaders, i.e. they would possess the most detailed information
regarding the context.
20
The representatives in the focus groups who are aware of the existence of such a
document, still, are sceptical about the opportunity to realize the established goals.
“There is vision for local development, wherein the directions and priorities are
defined. But we have to wait and see what will come out of it”.
“There is a development plan, but on paper only”.
4.7. The role of the local community in the municipality
It is evident that in all focus groups there is an agreement that the local communities (LCs)
have the key role in coordination of the activities and provision of information between
the local self-government and the population in the villages. However, although with
the process of decentralization the status of LC is not defined, still the citizens recognize
an actor in it that may mobilize and articulate the interests of the local inhabitants.
This conclusions are common, both for the focus groups of citizens and focus groups of
leaders.
“The LCs are active and the communication with the local self-government is
mainly channelled through it.”

The practice has shown that the local communities face countless problems in their
functioning (lack of facility and staff, insecure reimbursement for their endeavours,
no gyro account), which leads to their marginalization. “The fault” is allocated, by the
speakers, to the legislative which, according to them, does not foresee LC as a legal
entity. Precisely due to this fact, it is hindered to be an active subject which will perform
its functions in an efficient manner. Presently, it is noted that the local communities
function more on a volunteering basis and by help of the wits of the president of the
local community.
Its unregulated status as a local community also leaves room for its working to be
determined by the will and preparedness for cooperation of the local authorities. Its
21
ignoring, according to the representatives of the focus groups of citizens, leads to lack
of information to the inhabitants and disabling the LCs to provide active contribution for
realization of the policy of the municipality.
“With this lack of respect towards the LC, the municipality, i.e. the mayor,
often ‘overlooks’ the local community, and by doing this, the LC and the local
inhabitants are entirely excluded from the events in the village”.
“You can see, buildings are raised or brought down here, but no one asks if we
agree to that or not. We even hear that the mayor wants to take our stamps, so
we can function no more”.
“We try to keep the old ways, we had a room which was a donation from
individual persons, but the truth is we survive as we can. When we are needed to
raise two fingers in the air, then we are summoned. The things must go through
some people, and in principle these people should come from the LCs”.
That is why a new legislation is proposed that would secure more independence (own
gyro account and provision of appropriate working conditions). Thus, the local inhabitants
can have their own chain in the municipal processes.
“Sub-accounts from the municipal account for financing of LCs should be open
and the people active in LCs should be reimbursed, since no one wants to be a
volunteer anymore.” Another source of financing would be from the association
of tobacco producers. They are in need of formation of data base in order to
produce valid certificates regarding the family and material situation.”
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4.8. The process of decentralization – (has not) lead to
improvement of the work of the municipality
It is a general impression that the time is to short to give a relevant assessment of the
process of decentralization. However, there is still an agreement that this process has
significant meaning for the smaller village communities whose interests and specifics
lost their authenticity in the framework of the larger communities.
“For 50 years now nothing was given to these villages. Now the rural municipalities
are visible”.
“For example, I was a representative in the municipal assembly of Stip and I can
only tell you that we had a concrete initiative for procurement of water pump,
and the assembly had to allocate only 3,000 DEM. Unfortunately, I was outvoted
by my colleagues who considered that the curtains in the regional office in Stip
were of higher priority.”
With reference to this case, comparatively, certain divergence in the answers of the
focus groups of citizens and focus groups of leaders can be registered. Larger degree
of restraint can be registered in the citizens’ attitude. Namely, for a part of this group
the changes that occurred are of formal character and to a larger extent they manifest
discontent from what has been achieved in their municipality. They attribute the cause

of the problem also in the lack of financial means, that the municipality is in charge of,
which directly influences the opportunity for an efficient realization of the responsibilities
of the municipality. Unlike this group, the leaders of this municipality give positive
confirmation to the value of the effects from the process of decentralization. However,
they also propose certain changes to take place regarding the responsibilities and rights,
which would result in strengthening the independence of the municipality.
“Even the things we had, are now gone, the experience is negative. The
municipality lacks funds, decentralized are things of no value, and what is
valuable is kept by the state.” (beneficiaries)
“We are not happy. Only formal changes take place. When there are no
employees, there are not also any funds to finance the responsibilities of the
municipality”
“For example, my husband has a programme that would result in employment of

several people, but he has not received assistance from the municipality. There is
no stimulation or alleviations. It is not a business-friendly environment”.
23
“The change in this regards is noticeable only in designation and dismissal of
directors”
“The people are pleased, since the municipality is now responsible for certain
issues that were under central government until now. Payment of taxes is done,
previously by PRS, so now there is better assessment and payment.” (leaders)
“When Mogila became a municipality, the satisfaction was greater, since the
people now have whom to turn to”. (leaders)
“Fine and brave step was undertaken by the previous government to allocate a
million MKD for every municipality, and then additional funds according to the
number of people resident in the municipality”.
In any case, the joint conclusion by all present in the focus groups is that the municipalities
should have wider responsibilities and rights, especially in the area of management of
state land. Namely, it is considered that the centralized governance of the land and
the manner it is allocated, puts the municipality in the back seat, without real power to
create a policy containing developmental component for the local unit. More precisely,
since it is not under the responsibility of the municipality, it is considered that in such a
way the land is provided to persons who are not active in agriculture.
I’m a registered individual farmer, the registration cost me approximately 100

EUR, but I don’t see any use of that. Those who are not farmers receive the
land. And Zlaten Klas (enterprise using the state land under concession) are not
farmers”.
Additional problem is the fact that all municipalities are not on equal footing and
are not able to follow the planned dynamics in the process of decentralization. Thus,
supplemental criteria in the allocation of finances are recommended, thus, a further
incentive would be provided for the underdeveloped municipalities.
“It is obvious that small local self-governments, as ours is, cannot function
properly, neither can we function with the funds provided. The state would
have to define certain criteria – underdeveloped municipalities, on the basis of
which the allocation would be made...Lozovo is now separated from Sveti Nikole,
however, one time the capital investments and construction activities took place
there, so the financing follows this logic, and Lozovo is now forgotten. We are
limited with income utility taxes, personal taxes, etc...”
24
In this context, the problem which accentuates the increased portfolio of responsibilities
represents the understaffing of the local government so it can successfully answer the
foreseen tasks. Part of the problems is of financial nature, since there is lack of financing
for new employments and technical equipment, but also part of problems is linked to
their inability to hold on to the trained staff in the smaller local units. Of course, the
genesis of this problem is more complex and largely determined by the dynamical
process of migration (village to city), especially of the professional staff (See Annex Table
4 on the group assessment of the decentralization, presented in a table).
25
26
5. Degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction
with the service providers
Without doubts, the standard of living of the citizens is also valued through the quality
of services which can be found in one’s place of residence. However, this is one of the
aspects which provides an answer to one important question: How much is the village
in the Republic of Macedonia attractive for living? Several segments are linked to culture
and standards of living, when we try to answer that question:
4 PUE;
4 water supply and sewerage;
4 road network and transport;
4 power supply;
4 PTT services;
4 educational services;
4 availability of the health services;
4 social services;
4 cadastre;
4 ecology.

(See Annex Table 5 on the group assessment on the degree of satisfaction with the
services)
5.1. Public Utility Enterprise
Obviously, in half of the sample of municipalities this issue is not resolved entirely. This is
especially the case in the villages, wherein the organized waste collection is not regulated.
Out of the 7 municipalities with functioning PUE, five provide positive assessment with
the quality of the services of the PUE, whereas two municipalities assess it as good. The
success of the work of this service is, to an extent, depending on the cooperation with
the LCs and the municipal services. Namely, the experience has shown that PUE is more
efficient when there are coordinative efforts with the LCs. The lack of discipline on behalf
of the citizens and their lack of preparedness to pay even the minimum reimbursement
is only a confirmation to the lack of awareness for the common good. Although the
speakers are self-critical and admit to disobeying the rules for collection and disposal of
garbage themselves, they still do not show an initiative for changing their habits.
27
“The PUE has still not been founded. The hygiene is difficult to maintain, since
people litter freely, there is no waste site. The channels are being polluted,
the thrash is burnt in the backyards or the channels. The river basin is being
excavated.”
“For this situation the citizens are to be blamed, as well as our habits to throw
garbage everywhere and not pay for our bills. There are really people who
cannot pay their bills, but there are many whom we know of having money and
still do not pay.”
“Everyone litters as he or she pleases. There is no way how to punish this act. The
utility company is really working; it is us who are not paying attention.”
The formal concern by the people is evident, as well as the manner to manage waste.
However, in real terms, there is no conscience regarding the accountability of every
individual in provision of services for clean and healthy environment. The sole exception
is the village where there is good cooperation among the inhabitants and there is
developed sense of common ownership. We are speaking about the village Melnica, the
inhabitants of which underline the positive experience from the manner of functioning
of the public utility enterprise. Actually, it is the local population, by regular payments of
the reimbursement, which manages to organize the waste disposal from their village.
“There is great cooperation with the public utility enterprise, but we as inhabitants
are also disciplined”.
5.2 Water supply and sewerage
According to the assessments made, the speakers express various experience and
problems, with reference to the quality of these services. In any case, the uncompleted
water supply and sewerage network represents a problem for several villages. The
remarks were made with reference to the quality and soundness of the drinking water.
The fact that this is of a priority need for the population was reiterated by the speakers
by insisting on timely solution to this problem.
“It is too expensive to dig wells for water with questionable quality, as well as to
pay for the electricity used to pump up the water. This problem is of a priority
lately.”
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5.3. Road network and transportation
Of course, this problem is pressing in contemporary terms for the local communities,
participants in the focus groups, especially regarding the villages, which do not gravitate
towards larger cities. The conditions are deemed aggravating by the speakers from the
municipalities of Staro Nagoricane, Mogila, Zelino, Dolneni, as well as some of villages
in the vicinity of Veles. With reference to these municipalities, a single good example is
the municipality of Karbinci, whose road networks, according to the participants in the
focus groups, pleases the needs of the population. Undoubtedly, we are speaking about
a key parameter in the assessment of one area as a potential for local development.
More precisely, the regulated infrastructure makes possible all the other services and
assumptions important in the planning of the economic development. The aggravated
road network for most of the speakers is a reason for the unsolved transport, problem in
securing organized transport of the participants to the schools, difficulties in access to
the health services (organization of first aid) etc.
“God forbids if someone gets sick. If the bulldozer is not here to clean up the
snow, we are cut off. Last year a person passed away since he could not be
transported in time in Veles.”
With regards to the transport, this problem is solved by private transporters, in most of
the municipalities surveyed. They are satisfied with this service. Even in situations where
there is organized public and private transport at the same time, advantage is given to
the private transporters (e.g. the municipality of Jegunovce). However, the possibility of

using these services, according to the speakers, is conditioned by the existence of the
road network. To be more precise, it is mentioned that not one speaker is prepared to
cover these routes.
“There is no road. Who is willing to drive then?”
5.4. Power supply and PTT services
It is noted that the negative opinion on the quality of the power supply prevails,
regarding its oscillations, which bring the safe functioning of the domestic appliances
under question mark.
“The power level is not the same in all villages. The domestic appliances often
break down”.
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The high cost of the power supply was mentioned as a reason for turning to other power
sources, by the inhabitants.
With reference to the PTT services, the positive marks prevail; however, even in this case
the problem of irregular payment of the telephone bills occurs. Actually, there is general
remark that the prices of all services are relatively high in regards to the inhabitants’
purchase level. The speakers admit that their neighbours often are not in position to pay
for this service regularly and that “they are recalling this service in numbers”.
5.5 Educational services
Remarks were also made with the view of educational services received by these citizens
from the local units. Number of aspects is coming to the front of the interest with the
decentralization process, reflecting the quality of education that their children receive.
This includes financing, transportation, heating, salary payment, etc. A particular problem
in almost all village communities is the conditions with the school buildings which are
abandoned, decrepit, unequipped with what the modern education seeks.
On the other hand, the curricula and the capabilities of the staff included in the educational
process receive better marks. Undoubtedly, a primary problem for the participants is the
access to educational institutions, whereas the quality of the curricula is of secondary
importance.
As a problem we can mention the difficulties accompanying the continuation of

schooling after completion of eight grade. Namely, in order to continue with the
secondary education, the pupils should travel every day to the larger inhabited areas,
depending on the type of educational institution they would like their children to attend.
This highlights the problem of every day travel, especially in winter conditions, as well as
the “additional financial means needed for the every day travel”.
The problem of studying as expensive for financing is additionally emphasized, which

puts children from village into more discriminated situation than the children from the
city.
“We do not think of studying. We need minimum of 150-200 EUR per month. We
don’t have enough money to study or go to the city every day in high school. I’m
young, I would like to go to the university, but who would finance me? I can’t on
my own go there. I can’t even please the essential needs of my family. All young
people are obsessed with finding financial means and this proves difficult.”
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5.6. Health services
The general conditions in the health system are reflecting in local level as well. The
privatization of the primary health system and the accompanying processes are
certainly influential for the creation of certain confusion in the stances of the speakers
when discussing this topic. Actually, in most villages, part of the sample of this survey,
the health service is still not provided. And, if it is provided, it is not regular, i.e. there are
no shifts. The dentists’ services are also not provided in all the villages. In all places where
the private health service functions, the speakers have positive opinions regarding their
service, as opposed to the services provided by the public health system.
In the villages wherein the ambulances don’t function the population seeks the health
service in other places. Thus, repeatedly, the weak infrastructure was mentioned, as
additionally causing problems in satisfying the health needs, especially in cases where
emergency help is needed. That is why the speakers would like to see certain health
services provided in the neighbouring villages or municipality. According to them, the
time of the people would be more rationally spent, and timely health service would be
provided.
“We need a laboratory, dentist and doctor for basic examinations. The more
complex cases can go to Stip.”
“The working hours are problem. There is no constant doctor on shift. No one

is there if you want to measure your blood pressure or if you need emergency
help.”
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5.7. Social aid
With regards to the social services, different experience is shared, and mostly negative
one. These are more of subjective mode. The remarks refer, mostly, on the inefficiency
in their work, as well as the inappropriate attitude of the officials. Mainly, this kind of
services is provided in the framework of the regional units, since there are no such
services in the smaller municipalities.
“How nice of you to pose this question! Presently, chaos is ruling in that
institution. You don’t know who is responsible for field activities and who issues
the document in what time...”
5.8. Cadastre
The main negative response from the speakers regardless of the municipalities they were
coming from focused on the cadastre and its inefficiency in functioning. Precisely the
problems in investments and lack of private initiatives, partly, the speakers attribute to
the inefficient working of this service. According to them, the problem of denationalization
and unresolved status of properties are key issue for providing incentives for economic
development of the municipalities.
“The cadastre issue should be resolved. This is priority, especially for the rural
municipalities”.
“The biggest problem for these 15 years is that not one property was put on sale.
All of this is reason for barren large land which could otherwise be used by the
unemployed”.
5.9. Ecology
The protection of the human environment as a problem is recognized in all participants

in the focus groups. They are united in the stance that there is low awareness on
how the inhabitants should behave towards the nature. Although all speakers in the
discussions stress out the beautiful and ecologically clean environment in their place
of living, as one of the potentials for local development, still, they admit to “irresponsible
behaviour towards the environment in which they are living”. According to the speakers
the undisciplined citizens are the main polluters.
32
“The biggest polluters are the inhabitants themselves who do not take care for
the pollution of the environment”.
The fact that presently there are no industrial objects in most villages is ironically
commented by the speakers that when there is no commerce they don’t need to worry
about any polluters, i.e. this problem is of minor nature.
“There is no industry to pollute”.
“No one is working, who will be able to pollute.”
Still, in the discussions several larger polluters were listed which directly endanger the
health of the population in these areas with their working. More precisely, with regards
to pollution, these firms were mentioned: Silmak (Jegunovce), Bonum through the acid
it lets off (Staro Nagoricane), the agricultural firm Dgumajlija, since it sends out acids
in the phase of grape processing (Lozovo), the brick plant which sends out petroleum
jelly (Lozovo), the private pig farms (Karbinci and Melnica), as well as number of illegal
landfills, with danger of spreading infectious diseases dangerous on the health of human
beings.
Thus the citizens are asking for quicker solution to the problem of illegal landfills, as
well as increased accountability of the local self-government in provision of certificate
for environment friendly businesses for ever enterprise whose functioning may lead to

endangering the health of people and their environment.
“No one takes care for the environment. There is no rule where can one open a
firm or a farm which can endanger the normal living”.
In this context, for part of the speakers the unregulated status of sites of building barns for
stock keeping in an inhabited area endangers the normal functioning of the surrounding
families living in the vicinity. Namely, by not solving this issue, according to the speakers,
the normal living is obstructed. They pointed out the need for speedy solution, and they
urge to sanitary inspections to show greater efficiency in their working.
“This must be regulated outside the city”.
“We can’t live in the 21st century and have barns built between village houses.
This makes our life unbearable.”
Projects are proposed for education of the inhabitants, as well as introductions of certain
sanctions, in order to discipline the inhabitants how to manage waste and behave with
33
the environment.
“I’m from Croatia. I came here because of my husband. I like everything except the
hygiene and bad hygienic habits of my neighbours. This is the main reason why I like to
go back now. Although I speak with my neighbours and explain why we should all take
care of the hygiene we can’t understand each other.”
Also the minimal amount that the citizens have to pay to their citizens to the PUE
for the collection of waste is mentioned. It is not paid on regular basis.
“They do everything what is their responsibility, but there are real limits to their
functioning. We are undisciplined and without money. They also have hard time. How
can we pay to them? Hundred denars for some is too much. But how would the enterprise
survive if we don’t pay for the costs?”
5.10 Satisfaction from service providers
The most common remarks given for the service providers refer to the quality and
soundness of drinking water, power supply oscillations which results in malfunctioning
of the domestic appliances, public transportation, existence of services within the
ministries and cadastres in larger places only, etc.
“The quality of the water is problematic. The power supply quality differs in
various villages. The appliances often break down.”
“The public transportation does not satisfy the needs of the citizens. The
municipality, although entitled to, has not made any concrete steps in this
regard. The private transportation services are good.”
Higher marks were given to educational services (the staff is trying whereas the
infrastructure and conditions are ubiquitously in aggravated status), the private
transportation and phone services (not the fees which are deemed as too high).
With reference to education, it is noted that the conditions can be improved, however,
the basic problems are the difficulties in satisfying the extra curricula activities of the
children.
Regarding health services, the conditions are result of the bad and slow reform, since
the privatization of the ambulances and lack of finances are reason why a health service
can not be provided. In many places there are not operating ambulances, and people
are forced to travel, especially difficult during the need of emergency help.
34
“For every disease, sore throat or more serious, for now, we have to go to
Veles”.
The collection of waste is problem for every municipality, but because of various reasons.
In some places there are not PUE for this purpose, and citizens are highly unaware, and
they throw the garbage wherever they feel like. Somewhere the inhabitants don not pay
the bills and thus the service is cancelled. In other areas, the need for landfills is more
urgent and in that sense funds are needed for these to be built.
“There is a vehicle for waste disposal, and yet the citizens are undisciplined when
they have to pay a fee of 50 MKD. In all villages there are small landfills. The
households have the role of polluters”.
“PUE functions superbly, the default of payment of bills is what brings the
sustainability of this service in question. People don’t pay contribution of 50 MKD
for the waste management nor do they pay their water supply obligations”.
(Karbinci)
In the village of Zelino as examples of polite and professional attitude the employers in
the ambulances were mentioned, as professionals always prepared to give help. Good
words were spoken for the police in this municipality.
“Surely they cannot give us money, but they assist in what is their responsibility.

We had lot of problems and need to call upon them.”
As most contemporary example of the understanding by some of the service providers

the EVN electrical company is mentioned, which in its last effort to turn off the electricity
of default payers, has decided not to turn off the power in the village. As the villagers
say:
“There are consumers with unpaid bills for several years, but there is understanding
that there are villages with 10 people and not one or just one employee. They
don’t have either money or bread”.
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5.11 Satisfaction from the employees
in the municipal services
In most cases, the citizens are pleased with the work of the municipal services (they
are hospitable), often from the mayors (trying not to give off an air of party links or
affiliation). They are aware that they are only able to offer services in the framework of
their legal duties.
“It is not by accident that the mayor is serving his third mandate”.
“We wanted the water supply to be part of the procedure, and the people met
our expectations. The mayor helps every one, no matter who it is”.
In some places the need for additional staff is highlighted, additional qualifications, as
well as provision of appropriate room and working conditions. The efficient work of these
services, according to the present speakers, largely depends on the logistics available.
“New employments and technical equipment are needed for the municipality.”
“Decentralization is only possible if we have data base on our disposal; by then,

we are in status quo. We have neither space nor equipment nor any initial basis
for upgrading.”
The citizens agree that their work can be organized in better manner, thus resulting in
improved efficiency. They also have remarks on the need for greater transparency in
their work which would provide increased level of informed citizens on the events taking
place in the municipality.
On the other hand, the employees in the municipality consider themselves that they
try, in principle, to meet the needs of the citizens as much as they can. They direct the
citizens to the services in the city, write applications for them, provide information on
daily or administrative needs, enable contacts with the regional units, fill out forms, etc.
The need for annual trainings in the area of finances, urban planning, agriculture,
legislative, environment (because of new legislative) is highlighted. Also, the municipalities
usually have few professional departments; all the duties which according the laws
are given to them, are not entirely encompassed; they require responsible people for
education, inspections, culture, administration of taxes; a team for application and
realization of projects is also needed, etc.
36
“We need many employees whom we cannot employ due to lack of funds. Even
if we train these people, what afterwards, when the financing is not secured? We
are five people and we work everything, and for example, we need someone for
local economic development and a person for cooperation with the civil society
sector.”
“Every work has to go through the mayor and this proves to be impractical. The
problem is that we don’t have our own inspectorate and it’s difficult for us to
implement decisions.”
“I already requested from the local authorities to have at least one hydro
engineer who will be part of our department here. We need another expert for
cattle and other favourable funds for development, since everything here is
about agriculture and stockbreeding.”
5.12 Services lacking in the focus communities
The participants in the focus groups listed the following services which are missing in
their place of residence:
4 opening offices of the Ministry of Agriculture for more easier contact of the
farmers with the state bodies;
4 provision of education supplemented with new and/or additional contents

(foreign language, computers, music school) the absence of which puts the
children from the rural areas in more discriminated position in comparison to
urban children;
4 opening of kindergartens;
4 doctors (especially active in shifts), dentists and other specialists services
(gynaecologist);
4 opening an ambulance in villages where there is none, where according the
number of inhabitants one should be functioning;
4 opening of cadastre services for agricultural purposes;
4 opening of veterinary departments in the framework of the municipality and
provision of councillors for agriculture and stock-breeding;
4 pharmacies and laboratories for medical research (blood, etc.);
4 inspectors for location of irregularities in various areas (pollution, exploitation
of river basins, construction issues – illegal buildings, etc.);
4 creation of news bulletin municipal magazine;
4 bank, bakery, library with reading section, gas pump, sports facilities;
4 provision of fire fighting protection;
37
4 police station;
4 department for issuance of documents;
4 computer linkage with number of services in order for them to be more
accessible and for the needs of the citizens;
4 formation of PUE where there is not one, waste collection and disposal;
4 cultural institution;
4 regular public transport and transport of pupils;
4 good coverage with radio and TV signal;
4 well trained staff in the municipal administration.
Also, the lack of trainings for performance of professional services (plumber, tailors,
jeweller) as well as education on production of applications for certain programmes,
especially in the area of agriculture (see Annex Table 6 on services lacking in the focus
communities, presented in a table).
5.13. Direct assistance by the Government for the local needs
The direct assistance by the Government in these focus communities usually boils down
to funds from the Fund for National and Regional Roads, part of the financial means from
the sold telecommunication company which are spent on various purposes depending on
the local needs (water supply system) etc. Other interventions of emergency character
were: unblocking the municipal accounts, (non)functioning of ambulances, tobacco buy-
out, but also building bridges, ambulances, covering damages from natural disasters,
construction of monuments (as Pelince), construction of schools, donations of waste
containers, etc.
However, the remark is that there have not been many of such actions and the Fund
for National and Regional Roads does not help much in building new or modernizing old
roads.
Concrete plans for construction of collection station for regulation of waste waters from
Prilep are announced, although the rural areas in the vicinity are not mentioned.
“The state should make realistic assessment of the needs of each of the
municipality and appropriately address the same.”
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5.14 Problems in the daily working of the ULS
According to the speakers, there are number of problems that the units of local
self-government are facing:
4 financial (ULS receive only 2% from the VAT and the personal tax on income);
4 the funds from the state are not paid in time;
4 the accounts of ULS are closed due to transferred obligations, whereas the
means are not appropriately transferred also;
4 spatial issues;
4 lack of staff;
4 interference of the authorities of the central and local government;
4 provision of land by the state under long-term concessions, by which the
opportunity for economic planning and development is taken away from the
ULS, and the local self-government has no say in it;
4 the usurping of land by individuals;
4 the farmers are not registered as such to perform this activity;
4 the list of tax payers is supplemented, the tax collection is aggravated;
4 the funds for the public institutions are insufficient, especially in schools which,
through the municipalities cannot pay for the heating, equipment, renovation.
A particular problem in the relations between the local and state government is the
unsolved issue of ownership (management) of the construction land and the

concessions for the agricultural land, which the speakers consider that it should be
given at the disposal of the municipality. It is considered that the ULS have realistically
fewer rights in the process of solving their ongoing problems.
“The rural areas should have special authority which are in line with the role of
the municipality. The municipality should be the owner of the entire construction
land, since it knows best the parcels”.
“The municipality knows better than someone from the ministries, a person who
is real farmer and would like to plough the soil.”
The great desire of the speakers is to have real developmental projects and
chances for favourable credits for improving their small economy.
“We just had enough of trainings how we can ask for money. The central
government, not the local government, should be responsible for that”.
39
It should also be mentioned that in some of the ULS the local inhabitants are not very
active and they don’t provide suggestions or activities, there is party divide and rows,
and thus the projects are more initiated by the people from the municipality.
5.15 General assessment of the quality of living

in the municipality
Generally speaking, the speakers showed sense of disappointment and dissatisfaction,

especially in the areas referring to state policy towards the rural areas, or the lack of it.
The positive remarks were mostly directed towards the natural ambience wherein these
citizens live, although they feel that by itself it is not sufficient so as to make the village,
in long terms, more attractive for living. Precisely, this is the reason for the depopulation
of the village communities.
“Under the average. The prices are European, the salaries are African, so do the
maths yourself. There is no capacity, no employment, no salaries, so what kind
of quality are we discussing?”
“What kind of assessment can you give, if you live in the 21st century, and you
don’t have a road to reach anywhere, no water or sewerage, or no ambulance,
if you don’t know where to throw the garbage?”
“After 6 the only opened shops are the bars. Outside that there isn’t anything. So
much for culture. There aren’t places where we can sit and discuss issues.”
5.16 Presence of civic activism in the focus communities
If the general trends in Republic of Macedonia with reference to the development of the
civil society sector in urban versus rural areas are analyzed, one can infer the drastic
difference. To be more precise, according to the study of the Index of Civil Society, the
data until 2003 show that 43.8% of the total number of civil society organizations are
registered in Skopje. The other organizations, again in multitude, are registered in the
larger city centres. Unfortunately, the ratio of urban versus rural civil society organizations
is 10 to 1, i.e. for every 1000 inhabitants there are 5 organizations in the urban areas,
whereas in the rural areas there are 0.5 organizations for every 1000 inhabitants. Also,
Macedonian Center for International Cooperation “Assessment of the civil society in Macedonia
– 15 years transition from stabilization to citizens’ participation”, CIVICUS and MCIC, Skopje, 2006,
40 page 34
the ethnic communities, especially the Albanian, is insufficiently represented in the
founding and working of such organizations, according to the statistical data of the
population in the state.
Still, although the official data regarding these focus communities point out that there
is small number of such organizations, the people who participate in these focus
groups mention local organizations which are active in various areas (sports, women
organizations, humanitarian organizations, youth centres, culture and arts associations,
hunting associations, agricultural, retired persons and fire fighting associations, etc.). As a
product of the cooperation of the municipality, with some of them, the LEAP are brought,
as well as the small assistance received by the football clubs in order to provide them
with funds for normal functioning. The example of the municipality of Saraj is mentioned
which allocates small budget for project proposals which are submitted by the local civil
society organizations. Still, the largest part of the focus communities describes these
activities as accidental, mostly depending on the funds which are inaccessible to them.
Some communities stated that there is an acute need for formation of ecological or
agricultural associations, active on the territory of the municipality.
The general recommendation is that the civic activism in the future should more
intensely provide incentives and expansion to the rural areas through application of
various measures, but before all, by increase of awareness for self-organizing and
mobilization of the local population. One of the opportunities is to make use of the
networking of organizations existing in the country, as a model of linkage which helps

the small (or newly formed) civil society organizations to overcome the problems they
face with due to lack of resources, information, staff, etc. The human potential which will
be created will represent an adequate partner for the local self-government as well, for
improvement of the social living, as well as for identification of and solution to the local
problems.
5.17 Motives for living in the rural area
The majority of the respondents to the questions why they live in the municipality
state the tradition, emotional connection to their place of birth, their fatherland.
“We are born here, we feel good here, this is a peaceful and wonderful
place to live in”
Idem, page 34 41
Some state that they live there because they are optimistic about their municipality in the
future (and rural areas), expecting that the living conditions will improve. The ecologically
cleaner environment, as opposed to the urban areas, is of special importance.
“I believe that in the future in the village we’ll have better living conditions than
in the city”
“You can’t live in the city as well, not with the economic situation nowadays. On
the other hand, the interethnic relations are good, the environment is nice and
healthy, the only thing that needs resolving is the economic issue.”
“If you give the grade 2 to our municipality, then in the city is 0. Now, in the
private enterprises one works 30 days for 5,000 MKD.”
Still, the reason for that they also attribute to the realistic opinion that actually they
don’t have where to go in order to provide for their family and their self better economic
conditions. This despondence is mostly originating from the inability to live and work
in a satisfying manner, in the rural environment and provide decent living standard.
Especially the younger speakers state if they had an opportunity they would leave their
homes.
“Village is good, city is better”
“If I want to buy five cows, I should have a salary or property for mortgage. I
don’t have that. My house is of no value”.
“If I can, I will leave right now. To the end of the world, there is no perspective
here. That’s why Macedonia will be left without its people.”
42
6. Concluding findings and recommendations
It is known that the stable and sustainable development of rural and marginalized
communities may be established by stimulation of the local economic activities and
balanced social and economic development, in line with the efforts for protection of the
environment. This sublime goal seeks fulfilment of several crucial preconditions:
On behalf of the State:

4 to undertake all measures possible and to make every endeavours to solve
the serious, elementary infrastructural problems of the population in the rural
areas (mostly regarding roads, water, but other services as well), from which
the future economic and total development of these areas depends;
4 to provide serious stimulatory policy for the farmers by introducing micro-
credit programmes and other economic means for improvement of the
competition, diversification of the development, but also for other kinds of
economic activities (tourism, food processing, etc.);
4 to financially support the creation of developmental strategies, specific to the
priorities of every region/municipality;
4 to strengthen all departments under its authority in the Republic of
Macedonia;
4 to adopt strategy for development of the rural areas in the Republic of

Macedonia.
By the local self-government:

4 to provide inclusive processes in the municipality when agreeing upon the
common priorities and policies, through cross-sectoral partnerships, alliances,
cooperation with civil society organizations, support to local initiatives through
which the population acquires the “ownership” of the process (societal
mobilization for common goals);
4 creation of firm partnerships among the included actors at several levels
(target groups, community, local governments, public services, business sector,
but also state, domestic and foreign funds);
4 possession of minimum of social capital, physical and economic infrastructure,
as well as an administrative capacity;
4 provision of punctual assessment and information on their own resources:
economic capital (enterprises, network of services, economic infrastructure),
human capital (higher education services, available labour force), natural
capital (clean air, water resources, forests, animals) and social capital (active
communities, CSOs, ethnic/cultural groups);
4 provision of transparency and accountability in its work. 43
The social mobilization, provided it is implemented in a successful manner, can result in
greater internal homogeneity, will function democratically and in accountable manner,
will be open for new ideas and interests. It is time to build innovative forms of work, to
support new and more equal relations between the community and the other bodies,
in long-term perspective, and to show willingness to make compromises for successful
results for the local needs. It is important to stress to these focus communities that
there are already initiatives and activities, which represent good basis for the future
activities.
By the business sector (enterprises):

What is recommended is stronger and more direct communication among the
business entities, local self-government and local inhabitants (a significantly missing link
due to the dodgy privatization so far, and the total exclusion of the local government
and inhabitants), in order to influence the actors who make profits. These are to be
encouraged to provide their contribution for equal development of their local community.
In this regards, the following is foreseen:
4 raising awareness for revitalization of the natural resources which are destroyed
as result of the commercial activities (exploitation of land, stone, forests, river
basins, water, etc.);
4 assistance for solution of certain social problems characteristic for the local
population;
4 assistance in solution to some of the acute problems of the community (road,
water, infrastructure, schools, etc.).
In order to provide more enabling environment for development of public and private
initiatives, it is recommended that the local governments should develop appropriate
local strategies for economic development, which will correspond to the specifics
of each of the municipality. This, in turn, will result in appropriate programming and
planning of the LED by the municipalities and joint institutions, in each of the planning
area of interest. Among other things, the opportunities for public-private partnerships
(PPP) should be explored, as well programmes for promotion of PPP (trainings, public
presentations, workshops, debates, etc.), opportunities for proposals of priority urban
plans to be provided by the municipalities, in order to attract domestic and foreign
donors, etc. In order to realize this planning, in a serious and sustainable manner, the
planning is to be offered by the state and the international donors.
With view of providing an effective and efficient implementation of the recently adopted
Law on Equal Regional Development (May 2007), an identification of possible local
actors, needs and interests for inter-municipal cooperation is recommended. Thus, three
key elements in the existing inter-municipality cooperation were identified:
4 economy of size;
4 lack of capacity of certain municipalities to provide the necessary level of services
(such as, for example, the urban planning, protection of the environment, fire
44
fighting protection, health protection, etc.);
4 provision of quicker and better local development.
6.1. Social exclusion in the rural communities
The social exclusion mentioned in this context due to the existence of some of its
dimensions (knowledge) in the framework of the communities in the focus of the
interest of this project. More precisely, there is social exclusion to some extent in these
communities. This is in reference to the use of their social rights (or services) understood
in more broader context, which otherwise, as foreseen, they are entitled to as citizens
of Republic of Macedonia. Thus, these communities are lacking certain quality of life
which is usually more enabled in the urban areas, but which can be improved if the state
develops serious and consistent policy for rural development.10 The basic registered
problems and deficiencies are intensively intertwined and in synergy.
The Macedonian village encompasses 86.7% from the national area and 40.2% from
the entire population have their residence in the villages. A number of villages in the
Republic has suffered from demographic, economic and social decomposition, in the
last decade. Approximately 60% from the Macedonian villages are in the process of
depopulation, especially in the mountainous regions. It is an indisputable fact that the
village population has low income and unsolved elementary infrastructural needs in the
village communities11.

A research conducted by ISPJR showed that only 21.6% are partially satisfied, i.e.
1.6% are fully satisfied with the income from agriculture. In the mountainous villages
in Macedonia, 43% from the surveyed stated that they don’t have enough money to
buy food, whereas 47% stated they have money to buy food, but have difficulties when
buying clothes and footwear. 12
The notion of social exclusion is narrowly linked to social closure, i.e. social exclusion is result of so-
cial closure. Under social closure we understand a process wherein the groups are trying to reserve
(for themselves) the exclusive control over resources of any kind, through limitation of the access
to them. Thus, the process is based on the power of one group to hinder or aggravate the access
to the other group to the resources (goods, services or positive life opportunities) - Robert Goodin,
Inclusion and Exclusion, Archives Europeennes de Sociologie, 37/2, 1996).
10 At the same time, as a result of cumulating of several layers of economic, social and other reasons
(most often met in multi-cultural societies) in LRZ communities have been encompassed for which
it may be stated that are extremely marginalized, such as some Roma habitats in the city suburbs,
also part of this project.
11 UNDP, “National Report on the Human Development 2001”, Social exclusion and uncertainty of the
citizens of Republic of Macedonia, page 71
citizens of Republic of Macedonia, page 72 45
The main factors which contribute to the social exclusion in the rural areas are;
1. Unsolved elementary infrastructural needs of the rural areas: road, regular bus
line, provision of elementary necessities, sufficient healthy water for drinking,
sewerage, etc.;
2. Insufficient accessibility to the educational institutions and elementary health
services, including primary health protection, especially for inhabitants of
mountainous regions;
3. Insufficient access to market and market information, as well as lack of
consistent state policy which hinders the small farmers to realize better market
competitiveness and product efficiency as well introduction of contemporary
models of work.
Most pressing need, continuously mentioned by the respondents is the insufficiently

built, reconstructed or maintained road network, which in these circumstances is of
crucial meaning to the future of these communities. The reason for this is of economic
and developmental character: people, goods and services are more easily transported
and exchanged when there is good road network. Furthermore, the more accessible are
the inhabited areas the more it will reflect in the psychological component, by slowing
the process of migration from village to city, due to the possibility for several available
utilities: healthy environment and availability of services found in the urban areas. If
equal development is really sought, the Republic of Macedonia has to take serious steps
for construction of good road network through all inhabited areas.
At the same time, the unemployment as a characteristic increases the social exclusion
and the level of uncertainty (especially the prolonged unemployment), and it is present
as the main problem in all focus communities.
The data state that the role of the woman and her inclusion, especially on the level of
village, is insufficient and marginalized. That is why in the future an effort is needed for
this problem to be overcome. The engagement of the CSOs regarding this issue is of
special importance, since the woman is active as a producer of income and running the
household in the rural area.
Also, the fact that in the villages, the primary activity is mainly agriculture, which is
performed by individuals, is particularly important to support models of horizontal
cooperation in order to secure help and support to the solution of the eventual problems.13
It is recommended that creation of cooperative ethics and relations of cooperation are
facilitated, for joint development and progress.
13 Namely, as small farmers or agricultural producers without built organizational capacity it is easy
46 to experience disappointment due to certain problem or failure
Although at first sight the protection of the environment does not seem to be more
important than the other problems, it is a telling element. The rural areas have problems
with construction of capacities on inappropriate locations or the investors do not want
to decrease their own profit, for the good of the local community which provides the
natural resources. There are number of examples in the focus groups where the immoral
investors or local inhabitants destroy the environment: sand exploitation from the river
basins by which the environment is degraded; sending out acid in the near-by rivers
and thus polluting the water and soil; increased traffic on insufficiently developed
infrastructure or structure with low capacity; without any mercy, massive bringing down
and destruction of forests; unfavourable conditions for provision of clean drinking water;
inexistence of sewerage system; illegal waste disposal; waste waters from inhabited
areas and cattle farms, etc; Only more detailed regulations, applying of rules by the
state (strict control from the state bodies), i.e. application of the existing rules, can, to an
extent, amend the present situation.
The data say that in the rural inhabited areas, the quality od drinking water, is physically
unsound in 20% whereas it is not bacteriological proper in 30% of the cases.14
The use of chemicals in agriculture has negative effects on the quality of the soil, and
thus on the vegetation – artificial fertilizers and protection chemicals although in the
process of decreasing, should be monitored.15
All the landfills in the state are dangerous to the environment, since they produce
soil degradation, pollution of surface and underground waters and emit toxic and

explosive gases. The storage of the utility waste is done in landfill for which there are not
sanitarian and technical protection measures undertaken and which are of temporary
character.16
As a problem registered in the villages is the passive attitude of the inhabitants and the
lack of motivation for participation in the processes which are realized on local level.
Irregularities are registered, problems, etc. but there is no preparedness for initiative and
active engagement in the overcoming of the problems. It is suggested that this should
be targeted in order to create assumptions for interactive attitude of the population in the
projects implemented by certain actors (CSOs, government, local self-government, etc.).
A special emphasis should be put on the building of the sense for “common good” since
the “spirit of togetherness” is missing.
citizens of Republic of Macedonia, page 61 47
This is a collective process which foresees inclusion of a group of people not individuals.
The reason for this is because building of consensus means awareness for the role of
every individual. It is recommended that these kinds of organizations are result of the
needs and initiatives of the local population; these should not be imposed by “others”. The
success of these initiatives to a large extent depends on this fact and every assistance
from the local administration (in the role of coordination) is welcomed.
Table n. Models of organizations in the rural communities
FUNCTIONING OF ORGANIZATIONS
Aimed at specific target Coordination and con-
group trol of members
Initiative for Endoge- I. Traditionally coope- III. Organization of the
organizing nous rative organizations community meeting of
(e.g.: organization for citizens, peaceful co-
exchange of workers, uncil, cultural events,
credit associations...) sports associations
Exogeno- II. Developmental IV. Local administrative
us organizations (....for bodies
regional development,
for financing)
The local administrative bodies have several advantages in introduction of mechanisms

of cooperation in the local units, which will be responsible for the coordination of this
process. Since the needs of the population are varying, depending on the environment,
it is necessary to identify all the actors which will be able to locally design and initiate the
organization, according to needs assessment. Provided there is quality staff, leadership,
defined tasks and rule of work for the local bodies, the local administration can lead the
process of organization. Thus, the costs are reduced, since no time and resources are
wasted for institutional preparations.
In this way the organizational capacity of the local community is strengthen, and at the
same time support is provided in the realization of a certain activity. It is more important
to secure the support on the primary level, by the inhabitants themselves, than the
process to be coordinated by an outsider. In fact, it is vital for relations of trust to be
built, and afterwards joint activities to be realized.
48
Table: Structure of interaction among the central government, local government and
citizens
education
Central government


Local population
directionsi

isources
reports demands
Local government

reports
demands

support
assistance

Regarding the villages, as part of the local units, the benefits received from the central
government in form of package of interventions and support are of crucial importance.
This type of inclusion of the central government should provide for introduction of the
system in the communities. The broader inclusion of the population is an important
factor for the success of the planned projects and policies, and in that sense, it is the
provision of consensus for the common good.
49
6.2. Need for local strategic planning
The process of decentralization of the local communities represents an ability for

strategic planning in various areas, which means competent and complex effort which
results in fundamental decisions and actions that model and direct the future directions
of the organization or institution in the local community. The focus communities have to
prioritize their own needs, on the basis of which these local strategies can be created.
These kinds of activities are reasonable only if the goals and sources for the realization
of the goals can clearly be defined.
That is why distinction should be made between long-term and strategic planning
which is dynamic and which will be as successful as it is prepared to react in the certain
changes of the circumstances. In the process of preparation of this document, a rational
approach is sought, based in several phases:
Phase 1 – Process planning;

Phase 2 – Analysis of situation;
Phase 3 – Declaration of the strategic direction;
Phase 4 – Development of the implementing steps (especially the relation between the
local authorities and the population is important) and financial plans;
Phase 5 – Draft Strategic plan;
Phase 6 – Monitoring of the implementation.
In all of these phases the different actors with different profile and status can be included.
It is important to secure greater inclusion of the population from the local community in
this process, in order to provide bigger support for the document.
The first phase foresees human potential, as well as budget, and that is why it should
carefully be planned. The second phase foresees actual information on the subject
of strategic planning and their critical valorisation. In the third phase the municipal
administration should define the strategy and the other longer-term goals. In order for
the quality of the document to be on higher level, it is necessary to observe certain
methodological standards (so called SMART technology) in order to secure its relevance
and feasibility.17 The fourth phase foresees production of action plans which in shorter-
terms provide details for the realization of the objectives in the strategy, during which
the changes (planned or expected) are constantly monitored. In the sixth phase there is
monitoring of the realized activities and assessment of the achieved, according to the
defined indicators.
50 17 Which are the targets, activities, dynamics, indicators for valorizations, etc.
51
Bibliography
1. Macedonian center for International Cooperation “Assess-

ment of the Civil Society in Macedonia – 15 Years of Transition
from Stabilization to Civic Participation”, CIVICUS and MCIC,
Skopje, 2006
2. UNDP, “How can the local development function”, Selection of

practices from Europe and the AIS, Platform for work of UNDP,
2002
3. UNDP, “National Report on Human Development 2001”, Social

exclusion and insecurity of the citizens of Republic of Macedo-
nia
4. UNDP, “Profiles of municipalities in Macedonia, UNDP, Ministry

of Local Self-Government, State Statistical Bureau, November
2004
5. UNDP, “Social and Economic Disparities among the Municipa-

lities in Macedonia”, UNDP and the Ministry of Local Self-Go-
vernment, November 2004
52
Annexes
TABLE 1 – REALIZED PROJECTS
renova
MUNICI water sports tion of municipal
local/re
PALITY/ supply regional facili foresta health schools× building×, indus
gional other
INHAB system/ coopera ties/rec tion culture (ambu educa admin trial
road/ activities
ITED sewer tion reational ecology lance) tional istration zone
bridge
AREAS age centres program (0)
mes (0)
Dolneni ×× ×× × × ×
project
Zelino × × on train-
ing
pub
lishing
Jegu
×× × ×××× × × (0) bulletin
novce
on CSOs
projects
Karbinci × × × × (0) × (0)
Konce × × × (0)
Lozovo × ×× × × (0)
street
lighting
Mogila × × × × × (0)
CSO-
SIDA
Saraj × × ×
STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES - ANNEXES

Staro
Nagori × × × ×
cane
Tearce × × ×
Caska ×× × ×××× × × × (0) ×
Veles × × × ×
accom-
moda-
tion of
seven
Prilep ×× ×× ×
families
from
Drizla,
CSO
Note: The unfulfilled rows and columns in this table are due to absence of audit record
of specific activities in the area or due to inconclusive response on the question
55
TABLE 2 – FINANCING OF PROJECTS
renova
local/re
gional other
road/ activities
bridge
mes (0)
- Ministry
of Educa-
- AMPEP - Ministry tion
- self-
- foreign of Envi- - munici-
Dolneni contribu-
dona- ronment pality
tion
tions - GEKO - local
inhabit-
ants
- MCIC
Zelino
- UNDP
- Ministry
of Educa-
tion
-Dutch
Govern-
- Nor- ment - OCSE
Jegu - MCIC - NDC
- CARDS wegian - IOM - local
novce - CARDS - MCIC
Embassy - NDC donors
- CARDS
- The
World
Bank
- USAID
- MCIC
- CARDS - The
- TIKA World
(TUR) Bank
- SIP/ - Dutch
GTZ Govern-
Karbinci - USAID
- Fund ment
for - Komer-
National cijalna
and Bank
Regional
roads
- Fund
for
National - Dona- Local
- CIP
and tion of econom-
–pro-
Konce Regional Republic ic devel-
gramme
roads of opment
- CARDS
- The Germany - USAID
World
Bank
- The
- CSO
Lozovo - MCIC World
ARKA
Bank
56
renova
local/re
gional other
road/ activities
bridge
mes (0)
- Swiss
Agency
for
- Em- Renewal
bassy of - AMPEP/ and
Mogila
Japan SIDA Develop-
- MCIC ment
- AMPEP
- FOSIM
- USAID
- British
- Solidar-
Saraj - MCIC
ite
Em-
bassy
- EAR
- GTZ
- The
- USAID
World
Staro - Fund
Bank
Nagori- for
- the
cane National
munici-
and
pality
Regional
roads
- The

World - Region-
- self-
Bank al Eco-
Tearce contribu-
- Ministry logical
tion
of Agri- Center
culture
- Agency
for Youth
- means and
of the Sport
citizens - The
- USAID World - USAID
- Aus-
- SAN- - UNDP Bank - The
Caska trian
SUG - Ministry World
Embassy
AKTE of Cul- Bank
with LC ture
- USAID
- Nor-
wegian
Embassy
- means
- means
of the
of the citizens
citizens - CARDS - ATEK
Veles
- the - Agency
for Youth
munici-
and
pality Sport
57
renova
local/re
gional other
road/ activities
bridge
mes (0)
- AMPEP
- MCIC
- self-fi-
- the -
Prilep nancing
munici-
- CSO UNICEF
palities
ARKA
58
TABLE 3 – ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES IN THE MUNICIPALITY
MUNICIPAL
ITY/IN WEAKNESSES OF THE MUNICI
STRENGTHS OF THE MUNICIPALITY REGIONAL CHALLENGES
HABITED PALITY
AREAS
- sewerage system
- irrigation
- water supply system
- road network
- tobacco production
- problem with the elementary
- wheat and development of stock-
school in v. Dolneni
breeding
- unsolved property relations
- development of tourism
- unemployment - development of agriculture
Dolneni - road and railway network
- lack of subsidies and stimula- - exploitation of marble
- young population (on average with
tions in agriculture
secondary education)
- unsupportive credit policy
- close to AMBO pipeline
- incompliance with the appropri-
- multi-ethnical population
ate representation of Albanians
- no sports facilities and play-
grounds
- wild waste sites
- no conditions for business de-
velopment
- only „business” that exists in the
village is illegal lumber
Zelino - inexistence of waste sites
- lack of drinking water
- inexistence of sewerage system
- outdated inventory and tools in
the village school
- stock-breeding

- unemployment
- fishing
- no human waste sewerage in
- bee-keeping
the municipality
- village tourism
- the road connection, especially
Jegunovce - there is artificial lake
with Skopje, is aggravated
- tradition in producing dairy pro-
- lack of investments in the small
duce
enterprises
- there is a textile organization
- appropriate wood buyout
- the building sites should be
given to the municipalities
- high percentage of unemploy-
ment influence the rate of new
born;
- inexistence of gas station
- inexistence of ambulance and
pharmacy
- the problem is how to pay the
- the channel Kalimanci
- agriculture, especially healthy diet electricity bills, which puts the
- the status quo of the unbuilt con-
- textile (confection) water supply, connected to the
struction land
- food manufacturing, food electricity, in danger
Karbinci - incomplete regional road which
conservation, packaging - unfair competition of taxi ser-
connects several villages
- infrastructure that can be used vices
- no signalization in the roads
- the villages Bargala and
- building bridge over Bregalnica
Radanje should be connected to
the bus line
- lack of initiatives and trained
staff
- Law on treatment of natural
resources, as well as unfavour-
able systemic solutions which
have long-lasting effects on the
environment
59
MUNICIPAL
HABITED PALITY
AREAS
- healthy environment - unemployment
- conditions for development of or- - unsolved land status - procedure according to which the
charding, agriculture and tobacco - aggravated road infrastructure agricultural land is allocated
Konce
- village (eco) tourism - incomplete water supply - the manner of allocation of forests
network and water resources
- unsolved issue of waste waters
- bad roads
- unemployed inhabitants
- difficulties in the placement of
- status of municipality
the agricultural produce
- ecologically healthy environment
- influence of local powerful
- wine-growing (grape from any
people - aggravated infrastructure
sort), orcharding, cattle-breeding,
- no drainage - buyout price of produce
Lozovo tobacco, milk and meat production
- no public areas, parks - sewerage issues
- the private business is the priority
- no equal treatment of villages - inexistence of bank branch
and other smaller capacities
as opposed to the municipalities
- strategic positioning of the mu-
- unsolved status of the state land
nicipality
- criteria for allocation of budget-
ary funds for the municipalities
- unsecured road junctions
- building and completion of
sewerage
- there is an independent municipal-
- aggravated infrastructure
ity of Mogila which can manage
- bad conditions of road, there is - water supply
their own issues
no organized transport, one has - sewerage
Mogila - the environment is favourable
to travel through Novaci, there - electricity
- the communication with the city is
is undeveloped linkage to other - unregulated health services
well since Bitola is near by
inhabited areas
- weak quality of electricity
- no waste site
- good conditions for development
- unemployment
of private business
- the construction site is not in
- ecologically clean environment
possession of the municipality
- cheap labour - appropriate allocation of
- system of sewage
Saraj - conditions for development of agricultural land
- inexistence of bus link to Skopje
agriculture and stock-breeding
- narrow asphalt road - no street
- in the vicinity of the city
lights
- existence of recreational and tour-
- elementary school to 4th grade
istic sites
- cultural and historical monuments
which can be attractive for tourism
- unemployment
- Crnovacka spa has mineral water - decrease of number of inhabitants
- bad conditions in school
- unexplored metals, copper - pressure from Kumanovo to
Staro - the river is polluted with litter
- clean environment dominate on Staro Nagoricane
Nagori and the river bed is deserted,
- the municipality is bordering, (unsolved question of authority
cane destroyed due to sand exploita-
through it there is the road for over Pelince and Kokino)
tion
Serbia and Bulgaria, and the air- - irrigation channel
port is near
- clean water
60
MUNICIPAL
HABITED PALITY
AREAS
- large potential for development of
private business - need for modernization of the
- great location – near the Kosovo main road infrastructure which
border, connection with the main connects the inhabited areas
road communication through - inexistence of solid waste site - inexistence of regional waste site
western Macedonia, in the vicinity - unemployment, especially - low quality main regional road
Tearce
of Skopje and Tetovo within the young people, infrastructure
- outstanding opportunities for - inexistence of manufacturing
development of agriculture and capacities for fruit, vegetables,
stock-breeding milk
- existence of young and educated - inexistence of buyout locations
staff – cheap and qualified labour
- aggravated infrastructure
- problems with water supply
– irresponsible attitude of the
- natural resources
companies
- good inter-ethnical relations - aggravated infrastructure
- problem with water supply due
- timber industry - problems with water supply
Caska to electric energy
- ore resources - problems with power supply
- unemployment
- village tourism
- weak health protection
- stock-breeding
- inexistence of gas station
- bad age structure of population
- indebtedness
- favourable positioning of Veles - lack of subsidies and stimulation
- good road network in agriculture
- village tourism - aggravated infrastructure - infrastructure, coordination among
Veles

- vinery tourism - incomplete coverage with water municipalities is needed
- agriculture supply system
- orcharding/ stock-breeding - lack of sewerage
- problem with irrigation, the
hydro system is nun-functioning
– micro accumulation - the hydro system is problem of
- fertile country - Pelagonija
- infrastructural issues regional character
- ideal positioning and good road
- low quality of drinking water - road network
network
- litter inconsideration - decrepit schools
Prilep - healthy environment
- problem of taking over other - park Aleksandrija
- room for business promotion
land - inexistence of sewage and drain-
- favourable for village tourism
- no manufacturing capacities age system which pollutes the
- unemployment rivers
- decrease of birth rate
- access to health services
61
TABLE 4 – ASSESSMENT ON THE DECENTRALIZATION
THE ROLE OF THE
LOCAL DEVELOP STRATEGY FOR GENERALLY ON
mUNICIPALITY/IN MUNICIPALITY:
MENT OFFICE LOCAL DEVELOP ROLE OF LC THE DECEN
HABITED AREAS POSITIVE/NEGA
INFORMATION MENT TRALIZATION
TIVE
- the citizens are not
informed about
the office and feel
that no informa- - small changes
- there is no
- mainly with tion is dissemi- - lack of finances
vision
positive remarks, nated (there is no - marginalized - need for larger
Dolneni (but participated
however, it is lim- office) - LCs are active authority in the
in the produc-
ited financially - the information land manage
tion of the LEAP)
is disseminated ment
through releases
displayed in front
of shops and LC
- not a single
positive ex-
- the LCs are not
- no definite as- - the municipality ample or ad-
- no information active, there is need
sessment has no vision for vantage can be
- no office for coordination
Zelino - certain improve- development mentioned
from the
ment is felt - certain satis
municipality
faction from the
authority of the
municipality
- a Strategy for
Local Economic
- the stances are
Development
divided
is produced.
– depending
- the work of the The realization
whether the
municipality is of the Strategy
speaker is
assessed with encompasses
Macedonian or
regards to the - there is office the
Albanian
process of decen- - the office for local development of - LCs are active
- the positive
tralization, which development was these areas: - LCs are active only
Jegunovce assessment is
is in its inception formed in 2006 - agriculture, when there are
more found in
phase and it produces stock-breeding concrete initiatives
Macedonians
- the work of the Annual Bulletin and orcharding
as opposed to
municipality is - village tourism
Albanians
positively as- - small and
- it is still early
sessed medium
to assess the
enterprises
effects
– having in mind
the capacity of
the municipality
- The Local Devel- - it is obvious that the
opment Office is undefined status
formed and there of the LCs deter- - concrete ef-
is information dis- mines their weak fects are felt
semination functioning, and with the decen-
- citizens’ informa- - there is vision they are especially tralization
- positive
tion centre for for local devel- important - they posi
- positive in the
Karbinci regular informa- opment - there is lack of coo- tively assess
framework of the
tion dissemination peration and coor- the changes
possibilities
for the citizens dination among the brought about
- the provision of LCs with the muni- by the process
information is a cipality; their role is of decentral
problem, since mainly focused in ization
there is not a local the activities in the
medium village
62
THE ROLE OF THE
TIVE
- there is not
a document
- there is lack of produced; it is - there are not
information on the in process of changes for the
existence of proj- production better
- the municipality
ects or whether - main elements - the process of
is not active suf-
one is realized –improvement decentraliza
ficiently - the role of the LCs is
presently of the way tion has posi
- the effects are marginalized
- the office for local of living, tive effects,
Konce limited with the - they are as active
development and cultural habits, but all present
financial power as their status
information of exploitation agree that is
of the munici- allows them to be
citizens are still not of the natural to early to feel
pality
formed resources for all the aspects
- the information is production of which are
disseminated to healthy organic brought in this
the citizens food, tourism, process
development of
road network
- the role of the
- there is not LED - improvement
municipality
Office is felt
is positive; the
- announcements - LCs are active only - the small
mayor of the
on the sound - the citizens are in small portion, municipalities
municipality of St.
board and through not acquainted having in mind their should receive
Lozovo Nikole (regarding
LCs - there is no status greater atten
services) has no
- there are no media definite answer - LCs almost do not tion in order to
interest regard-
which can secure function provide incen
ing the needs of

regular and timely tive to this
the municipality
information process
of Lozovo
- there is not an of-
fice, it is in process
of formation and
there is respon-
sible person for its
responsibilities - the opinions
- the problem is
- the dissemination are divided
the collection - there is - LCs do not function
of information is - there is satis
of taxes which development - some LCs are re-
realized owing to faction from
reflects on the plan, but only ally active whereas
Mogila peer to peer com- the process,
successful work- on paper other exist only that
munication the problem
ing of the munici- - the municipality it can be said that
- the municipality is the means
pality has vision they are there
tries to inform for successful
through the functioning
local media as
well or puts up
announcements in
shop windows and
ambulances
- there is no LED - division of
- the municipal- office but there is opinions
- the LCs are not - the documents’
ity is active and person responsible - the municipality
Saraj active procedures is
receives positive - through official has not pro-
easier
assessment gazette, sounding duced a docu-
board ment as yet
63
THE ROLE OF THE
TIVE
- partial satisfac-
tion from the
work of the mu- - there is not local
- the experience
nicipality development of-
- are not - the LCs do not is negative, the
- the municipal- fice or information
informed function problem are
Staro Nagoricane ity tries to fulfil office (through
- no definite - all are active within the finances
its obligations, LCs)
answer their authority - the people are
although the - informal
pleased
transfer of rights communication
has not been
finalized
- there are ex-
- neutral assess- - LCs are not active pectations for
- there is no
Tearce ment due to their benefits from
vision
undefined status the decentral-
ization process
- there are not in-
formed about an
Office, there is not
- different
regular commu-
experience, but
- it is assessed nication with the - they are not
they agree that the - it is early to
as active and municipality informed
LCs should often assess the
efficient as its (the local develop- - action plan
Caska consult with its effects
financial capabil- ment office has for the
citizens and bi more - mainly posi
ity would allow still not been development of
active in linking the tive
it to be formed in the the municipality
inhabitants with the
municipality)
municipality
- there is not estab-
lished system of
information
- there is office and - it is early to
announcements assess
- the municipality
are made, howev- - more active role - only in this
is not giving
er, there is lack of - they are not of LCs manner the
sufficient efforts
timely and needed informed - the role of the municipalities
for the good of
information, as whether there is LCs should be can take over
Veles the villages
well as on contem- such document strengthened the responsibi-
porary projects in yes-the business through knowledge lities in creation
(Although is
the municipalities; recognizes itself about it, especially and implemen-
positively
way of project in t he villages tation of con-
assessed)
funding or where crete policies
to get funds from
- the citizens
receive no infor- - marginalized
mation - the role of the LCs
- no information - the vision is in is highlighted in
generally, the
- there is LED of- joint acting of the coordination
marks are
- the role of the fice but without the local self- of the activities
positive
municipality is needed staff and government, between the local
Prilep - suggestions for
positively as- equipment chamber of government and
grater rights for
sessed - web page of the commerce, citizens
land manage-
municipality CSOs - proposal for
ment
- a forum is changes in order
prepared for to strengthen the
creation of the position of the LCs
Strategy
64 of specific activities in the area or due to inconclusive response on the question
TABLE 5 – UTILITY AND OTHER KINDS OF SERVICES FOR THE CITIZENS
MUNICI
PALITY/ trans electri educa
social
INHAB PUE porta road cal phone water tional health cadastre ecology staff
services
ITED tion energy services
AREAS
2 4,4 3 0 bad 5 5 bad con- no den- they do slow and no pol- 5
private quality ditions tist not have inef- lutants
3 2 4 their ficient
no public 3 4 3 sig- own
nificant private service low
time is ambu- it would level of
needed lance 3 be good aware-
to reach times per if some ness for
Dolneni the week ser- ecology
schools vices are
available
2
for the
villages
as well
inef-
ficient
do not partially bad bad good low old private average no effi- low positive
func- condition quality quality school good ciency level of
tions water aware-
ness for
Zelino public ecology
health
bad illegal
waste

sites
no private bad good no qual- 5 public unsatis- Silmak lack of
good quality ity fied staff
7 for the
public private no urban sand
bad plan exploita-
3 tion in
Vratnica
Jegu illegal
novce waste
sites
low
level of
aware-
ness for
ecology
positive more positive partially partially positive the con- slow not suf- not suf- mayor profes-
trans- (there ditions reforms ficiently ficiently sional
porters is no have to efficient efficient but there
are money) be im- pig farm is lack of
Karbinci
needed proved no logistics
health
services no waste
site
65
MUNICI
social
services
AREAS
good positive partially partially good but positive positive partially partially ineffi- low positive
expen- ciency level of
Konce sive aware-
ness for
ecology
positive the prob- partially satisfy- good partially old build- no doc- not suf- not suf- agricul- they are
lem lies ing ings tors all ficiently ficiently tural en- doing
within the time efficient efficient terprise their job
the mu- Dguma- profes-
nicipality the problem jlija sionally
not suf quality by com-
ficiently of Sveti but there
Nikole of power bining is no
efficient supply classes low logistics
varies level of
aware-
ness for
ecology
no old unsat- partially good partially decrepit no af- they go in Bitola, low profes
vehicles isfying build- ternoon to Bitola thus, the level of sionally
condition ings shift which services aware-
makes are more ness for
no den- the serv- expen- ecology
no suf- tist ice more sive
ficient expen-
Mogila
partici- sive
pants no phar-
macy
trans-
port to
schools
4 3 3 2 for 3 1 1 3 positive
condi-
tions
illegal
Saraj waste
3 to 4 for sites
the pro-
gramme
66
MUNICI
social
services
AREAS
3 there 1 3 to 4 4 to 5 2 to 3 3 2 not not the en- correct
is only efficient efficient terprise
private enough enough Bonum
Staro
4-5
Nagori-
they
cane1
do not
provide
receipts
3 to 4 4 to 5 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 3 to 4 4 4 there there 1 to 2 hospita-
no time are no are no ble
agenda service, service, greater
bad they go they go
quality profes-
to Tetovo to Tetovo sional-
of water
2 to 3 3 to 4 ism
Tearce young
staff
im-
proved
infra-
structur-
al condi-
tions
positive private insuf- unsatis- good good positive partially critical it is not the consci-
good ficient fying slow overview efficient citizen entious

avail- reforms on cri- and
Caska ability in teria for good
winter no phar- social pig farm
larger ef-
macy assist- ficiency
ance
no PUE good this 0 bad unfin- these in- no am- volun-
in the private problem quality ished stitutions bulance teering
villages trans- is not network; are not
porta- solved bad accessi-
Veles tion, quality ble for all
but it villages
depends
on the
road
the partially partially 4 5 relatively old insuf- average no effi- low 4
villages well schools ficient ciency level of
are not public 3 4 aware-
included trans- 4 2 1 ness on
Prilep
porta- ecology
tion 2
private 4
1 The participants in the focus group from this municipality (Staro Nagoricane) have stricter criteria and provide some-
what lower marks regarding these services 67
TABLE 6 – SERVICES LACKING IN THE MUNICIPALITY
MUNICIPALITY/IN
HABITED AREAS
- ambulance (dentist, doctor)
- cadastre
- there should be a branch of the agricultural institutions
- there should veterinary service within the framework of the municipality
- social institutions
- fire fighting brigade
Dolneni
- pharmacy
- sports fields
- heating
- daily maintenance of objects
- problem with the transportation of pupils to schools
- construction inspection and teams for bringing down unauthorised building
- regular bus line
Zelino - PUE
- cadastre
- cadastre
- bank
- health institutions
- non-stop medical service
- dentist
Jegunovce
- cultural institution
- kindergarten
- utility enterprise
- cadre which can teach in Albanian language in Jazince
- sufficient cleaning staff in the school in Jazince
- cadastre
- gas pumps
Karbinci
- health institutions
- agency for support of the economy
- pharmacy, medical lavatory for the seek
- informative municipal bulletin – newsletter
- cadastre
- bakery
- regional unit of the Ministry of education
- branch for the employment agency
- bank
- bookshop
Konce - veterinary station
- fire fighting brigade
- no cable TV and weak TV signal
- kindergarten
- cultural centre
- certain trainings
- school of foreign languages and computers
- education for production of applications for certain programmes, especially in the area of agri
culture
- cadastre
Lozovo - units for agriculture and construction
- police station
- cadastre
- health services
- pharmacy
Mogila - buildings’ inspection
- sanitary inspector
- waste site
- improved informing, computer networks
68
MUNICIPALITY/IN
HABITED AREAS
- sports or cultural area
- sports fields
Saraj
- better conditions for education
- unsolved issue on transportation from Ljubin to Skopje
- agronomists
- inspectors
Staro Nagoricane - health services
- waste site
- cadastre
- decentralized municipality
- office of the Ministry of Agriculture
- bank branch
- opening green market in bulk
- opening of fire fighting service
Tearce
- kindergarten
- culture centre which may be adapted as a cinema
- improved health services
- interesting contents for the youth
- personal documents to be issued in Tearce
- gas pump
- bank services
- cadastre
Caska
- radio and TV coverage “unfortunately we can only pick up the MRTV signal”
- newspaper, bulletin
- educational contents
- no organized public transportation
Veles - PUE
- pharmacy and ambulance

- public transportation and/or private
Prilep - PUE services, water utility company and thrash collection
- health services (Kadino, Gorno Konjari have no ambulances)
69
TABELA 7 - USLUGI KOI GI DAVA LOKALNATA SAMOUPRAVA (NAVEDENI PO PRIORITET)
MUNICIPALITY/IN
HABITED AREAS
Organization of utility infrastructure

Urbanism
Utility inspectorate
Dolneni Local economic development
Education
Protection of the environment
Taxes
LED
Urban planning and provision of permission
Protection of the environment
Utility services
Zelino
Culture
Sport and recreation
Education
Roads and street lighting
Public utility enterprise
PU “Park and sport” (sport and recreation)
Fire fighting service
Pre-school establishments (kindergartens
Elementary education
Secondary education
Jegunovce
Other schools
Students boarding house and rooms
Health protection
Veterinary services
Cultural objects
Sports objects
Disposal and purification of system of sewage
Karbinci Education
Veterinary service
Health service
Urban planning and issuance of permissions
Confirmations
Family certificates
Konce Streets’ building
Local roads
System of sewage
Water supply system
Utility services
Maintenance of parks and green areas
Construction, reconstruction and maintenance of local roads
Support to culture
Lozovo
Organization of sports events
Education
Health protection - management
LED
Protection of environment
70
MUNICIPALITY/IN
HABITED AREAS
LED
Utility services
Mogila
Education
Support to culture
Certificate for urban planning
Permission for construction sites
Permission for building
Saraj Permission for use
Permission for adaptation and new purpose
Permission for urban correction measures
Confirmations for citizens (place of birth, work, etc.)
Definition and payment of local taxes and levies
LED
Utility services
Collection of solid waste
Regulation of local public transportation
Construction, reconstruction and maintenance of local roads
Staro Nagoricane
Elementary education
Support to culture
Organization of sports events
Health protection
Support to local communities

Information on potential investors
Intermediation in the area of commerce
Information on credit lines
Business services
Tearce
Finding investors
Promotion of the potentials of the municipality
Promotion of firms
Promotion of partnerships
Urban planning
LED
Utility services
Definition of tax on properties
Caska
Brining detailed urban plans
Inspection
Development of sport
Social protection and protection of children
Education
Institutional and financial support for
71
MUNICIPALITY/IN
HABITED AREAS
Urban (urban and rural planning)

Protection of environment and nature
Local economic development
Utility services
Culture
Social protection and protection of children
Veles2
Education
Health protection
Implementation of preparations and undertaking measures for protection of the citizens and material
goods
Monitoring of the implementation of works under the auspices of the municipality
Other issues determined by law
PUE (Komunalec and water supply and sewerage)
PUE Markets
PUE for spatial and urban planning
Pre-school establishments
Elementary schools
Prilep
Secondary schools
Other kinds of school
Health protection
Veterinary services
Culture objects
Sports objects
2 Listed according the alphabetical order in the Law on Local Self-Government

72
TABLE 8 – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MUNICIPAL number of markets in the mu
ITY/IN activities by which most en buyout centres for produce nicipality
HABITED terprises are registered of the municipality markets where the goods are sold
AREAS
tobacco
- poultry farm Dolneni, Ropotovo, Lazani, De-
- fish ponds breste,
- carpentry Crniliste
1 open
- utility service wheat
Dolneni
- production of dyes Lazani, Zitose, Debreste, Crniliste
Debreste – cattle on sale
- construction milk
- mill industry Dolneni, Ropotovo, Lazani, De-
- production of fuel derivatives breste,
Crniliste
- transport and construction
- poultry farm
- gas pump
- manufacturing of marble
1 open
Zelino - metal doors and windows
- production of concrete
- collection of waste material
- processing of tires
- production of oil
- semi-produce iron produce
- separated sand and concrete
items
- confection
- production of nails and timbers milk no markets
Jegunovce - production of bread and baked Milk company ZIK AD Tetovo

produce TP ALPI Dzepchiste- Tetovo Tetovo – “Green Market”
- production of mineral water
- production of construction build-
ings
- pig farm
- early agricultural produce fruit and vegetables
- production and conservation of „Fruktana” Inc. v.Agrulica
fruit and vegetables vegetables no markets
- pig farm „Nimeks” s.Tarinci
- mill production wheat Stip –vegetables and cattle
Karbinci - production of metal Mlin „Zitomel” s.Agrulica Probistip - vegetables
- wheat cattle Kratovo - vegetables
- production of milk and meat T.P. “Vidor- Gold” s.Radanje Oblesevo – large cattle
- oil trade mushrooms
- poultry farm “Labeko” v.Karbinci
- catering
- dairy produce tobacco
Konce 1 open
- trade Radovis
- line transportation of passengers
- industry for construction materials
grape, wheat
- agriculture and processing of
AK Dgumalija- Lozovo 1 open
agricultural produce
tobacco
- production and construction of
Lozovo Saramzalino – agricultural produce
Lozovo decorative elements
wheat Veles – agricultural produce
- agricultural pharmacy
Sv. Nikole Sv. Nikole – agricultural produce
- trade with agricultural mechani-
tomatoes
zation
Sv. Nikole
- trade and transport
73
MUNICIPAL number of markets in the mu
ITY/IN activities by which most en buyout centres for produce nicipality
HABITED terprises are registered of the municipality markets where the goods are sold
AREAS
- production of cattle feed tobacco
- production of bedding plants s. Dobrusevo i
- gas station s.Ivawevci
Mogila no markets
- cattle breeding milk
- mill production s.Mogila i
- agriculture s. Musinci
- trade
- catering
Saraj no markets
- production
- mill production
- production of mushrooms
no markets
- mill production
Staro - trade
Kumanovo – agricultural produce
Nagoricane - transport of passengers
and cattle
- construction
Kriva Palanka - vegetables
- veterinary ambulance
- production of doors and windows
no markets
- construction
Tearce
- mill production
Tetovo - „Green Market”
- production of juices
- exploitation of silica 3 open
tobacco
- greenhouse production
Caska
- grape growing and winery Caska – agricultural produce and
silica
Caska - fish ponds textile
Bogomila
- orcharding Bogomila - agricultural produce
mushrooms
- pig farm and textile
G. Jabolchishte
- cattle breeding Izvor - agricultural produce
- food production
wheat
- metal processing
“Zito Vardar” Ltd.
- ceramic activities
agricultural produce
- trade
“Sevdin Komerc”
- electro mechanical
Veles industrial cultures no markets in the villages
- production of leather
“Blagoj Gjorev”
- catering
“Veles Tabak”
- production of furniture
leather
- construction
“Dimko Mitrev” Ltd.
- construction of household
- tobacco industry
- food industry tobacco
open 6
- processing of marble Prilep
closed 1
- glass industry agricultural produce
Prilep
- metal processing industry Vitaminka Prilep
All the produce are sold at Prilep
- printing wheat cultures
markets
- mill production Zito Prilep
- textile industry
74
TABLE 9 – COOPERATION OF ULS WITH CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS3
MUNICIPALITY/IN
HABITED AREAS
Dolneni
Local communities
Youth organization “Rinia”
Zelino
Organization of women
Sports and culture associations
Organization of women of the municipality of Jegunovce
Multi-ethnic and multi-cultural association of women “Pod-Sara” Vratnica
Cultural artistic association “Izvor” Jegunovce
Jegunovce
Association of ecologists Jegunovce
Challenge
Multi-ethnic actual centre
“New Life” Stip
“Active for Independent Initiatives” Stip
Karbinci
Ecological association “Lipa” Karbinci
“PAR- Challenge Action Reality” from Karbinci
Association of women
Konce Association of tobacco producers
NGO ”For a Better Municipality”
Organization of women - Lozovo
Center for sport, culture and civic initiatives
Lozovo KAA Koco Racin
Association of retired persons – Lozovo
Association of tobacco producers – Lozovo
Association of women for ecological revitalization and sustainable development of the environment
Mogila
“Molika” from Mogila

“EL- KALEM“ - Arnakija
”Children of Peace“ - Ljubin
Saraj
KAA ”Drita Drven” - Saraj
Organization of women “Women Home” – Sisevo
”Eko tim” Ecological office of the municipality Old Nagoricane
Hunting association “Deer”
Staro Nagoricane
“United Serbian Community in Macedonia” R.O. Kumanovo
Voluntary fire fighting association “Kozjak”
“Skardus” Association of young intellectuals
“Agro Unija” Association of farmers
Tearce “Pinokio” Multi-ethnic children theatre school
“Zelbrimi” Association of ecologists
“Orchid” Association of women
3 In the last few years

75
MUNICIPALITY/IN
HABITED AREAS
Association of citizens “Doves”

NGO “Babylon”
Ecological group “Green Power”
Caska
Motel “Monika”- Bogomila
Children resort “Green Power” – Papradiste
Hiking association “Veles”
NGO ”Center for Culture and Art”
NGO “Association for Democratic Values”
AC Romani Bah
“Elektron Brezevi”
AC “Zrak”
AC “Vezilka Lenka”
AC “Regional Center for Cleaner Production”
AC “Amanet”
AC “Youth Center for Balkan Cooperation”
Association of pedagogues and psychologist
Ferial center
Veles
AC “Culture home”
AC “Olimpija”
AC “POPI”
AC “Kec”
AC “Elena”
Association of parents of children with cerebral paralysis
Association of blind persons
AC “Initiative for Social Support”
Ecological group “Green Power”
Ecological association “Vila Zora”
DRGZP Rehabilitation of children exposed to polluting
CSO“Centar za gra|anski inicijativi”
CSO “AGTIS”
Prilep CSO “Logos”
CSO “Ekoment”
CSO “Regional handicap center”
76
TABLE 10 – OBJECTIVE DATA
number
number
of sub-
of an-
number mitted
number number swers
em- number *number of submit- com-
MUNICI- of coun- technical of presi- to the
ployed of mem- of sub- number number ted com- plaints
PALITY/ cillors equip- dents of submit-
in the bers of mitted of held of held plaints and
INHAB- (male ment LC ted
munici- LC (male civic meet- referen- and pro- propos-
ITED and status in (male com-
pality and initiatives ings dums posals to als under
AREAS female) ULS and plaints
(m, f, ES) female) the mu- respon-
in ULS female) and
nicipality sibility of
propos-
another
als
body
14 15 N. of ve-
f-3 f- 2 hicles: 2 33 231
m - 11 m -13 light m - 33 m - 231
Mac. 9 Mac. 6 comput- Mac. 26 Mac.184
(m7 i f2) (m5 i f1) ers. - 3 Bos. 6
Dolneni Bos. 2 Bos. 4 Bos. 2 43 14 / 22 22 9
fax - 1 Alb. 36
(m1 i f1) (m3 i f1) Alb. 3
phone Tur. 5
Alb. 1 Alb. 5
lines -2 Tur. 2
m1 m5
Tur. 2 Tur. 2 internet-
f2 m2 yes
N. of
vehicles:
13 19 light- 2 126
f- 2 f- 5 comput- 18
m- 11 126 m
m- 14 ers.11 18m
Zelino Mac.2m Mac. 7 10 6 / / / /

Alb.( m9 Alb. 19 Fax- 1 Mac. 1
Alb.
i f2) (m14 i f5) phone Alb. 17
lines 2 119
Internet-
yes
N. of
vehicles:
11 15 light -3
f-6 f-2 comput- 119
17
m- 5 m-13 ers.- 8 119m
Jegu 17 m
Mac 10 Mac.9 35 34 / / / /
novce Fax - 1 Mac.13 Mac.95
(m4 i f6) (m7 i f2)
phone Alb.4 Alb.24
Alb.1 Alb.6
m1 m6 lines -1
Internet-
da
N. of
9 vehicles:
7 56
f- 1 light- 1
f- 3 56m
m- 8 com- 8
m- 4 Mak.45
put.15
Karbinci Mac.6 Mac.8 8m Vlasi 8 / 8 / 12 12 16
fax- 2
(m3 i f3) (m7 i f8) 8 Mak Tur. 2
phone
Vla.1 Srbi 1
Tur.1 lines 2
m1
Internet-
da
77
number
number
of sub-
of an-
number mitted
number number swers
in ULS female) and
propos-
another
als
body
N. of
8 vehicles:
f- 3 light - 1
m- 5 9 10 70
comput.6
Mac.3 m- 9 10m 70m
Konce Fax- 1 / 6 / / / /
( 1m i f1) Mac. 8 Mac. 9 Mac. 60
Tur. 5 Tur. 1 phone Tur. 10
Tur. 1
( 4m i f1) lines 2
Internet-
da
N. of ve-
hicles: 2
40
light - 1
40m
5 9 heavy - 1 8 Mac 35
f- 2 f- 3 comput.4 8m Bos. 1
Lozovo 32 8 / 38 38 18
m- 3 m- 6 Fax- 1 Mac. 7 Alb. 1
5 Mac Mac. 9 Bos. 1 Vla 3
phone
lines 2
Internet-
da
N. of
vehicles:
9 light - 2
f- 4 11 22 114
comput.5
m- 5 f- 2 22m 114 m
Mogila Fax- 1 / 20 / / 2 /
Mac 9 m- 9 Mac. 21 Mac 110
Mac. 11 phone Tur. 1 Tur. 4
lines 3
Internet-
da
N. of
27 vehicles:
f- 7
19 light - 5
m - 20 28 218
f- 4 com-
Mac 2 (1f 28m 218m
m- 15 put.14
i 1m)
Saraj Alb. 18 Mac. 1 Mac. 15 / / / / / /
Alb.24 Fax- 1
( m14 Alb. 26 Alb198
(m19 i f5) phone
i f4)
Bos. 1f Bos. 1 Bos. 5
Bos. m 1 lines 5
Internet-
da
78
number
number
of sub-
of an-
number mitted
number number swers
in ULS female) and
propos-
another
als
body
N. of
vehicles:
light - 2
11 9 comput.8
Staro
f- 5 f- 2 26
Nagori- Fax- 1 / / / / / / /
m- 6 m- 7
cane4 phone
lines 3
Internet-
da
N. of
vehicles: 12
19 light - 2
18 9m
f- 5 com- 48
f- 2 3f
m- 14 put.14 48m
m- 16
Tearce Mac. 1m Mac. 3 Mac. 12 5 3 / 10 10
Mac. 2m Fax- 2 20
Alb. 18 3f Alb. 36
Alb. 16 phone
(13m
(14m i f2) Alb. 9m

i f5) lines 2
Internet-
da
N. of
vehicles:
11 light - 2 116
11 f- 1 com- 29
116m
f-6 m- 10 put.11 29m
Mac.92
Caska m- 5 Mac. (m6 Mac 22 / 1 / / / /
Fax- 1 Alb.14
Mac.11 i f1) Alb.4
Tur.10
(m5 i f6) Alb.3m phone Tur.3
Tur. 1m lines 3
Internet-
da
4 The participants in the focus group of citizens from this municipality have stricter criteria and provide lower marks for
these services 79
number
number
of sub-
of an-
number mitted
number number swers
in ULS female) and
propos-
another
als
body
187
m - 173
f - 14
Mac.156
23 N. of ve- 33
45 f-7 hicles: 6 m - 30 (m142 i
f - 22 m - 16 f-3 f14)
light
m - 23 Mac. 20 comput Mac. 28 Alb. 12
(m13 i f7) - 45 (25m i 3f) m12
Mac. 44
Veles Alb. 1 Alb. 2 / 33 / 68 57 /
(m22 i fax - 4 Tur. 3
m1 m2
f22) Tur. 1 phone Ser 1 m3
Ser. 1 m1 lines -7 m1 Ser. 3
m1 Bos.1 internet- Bos. 2 m3
m.1 da m2
Bos.12
m12
Other 1
m1
N. of
vehicles:
27
f- 9 lesni- 5 47
83 Kom-
m- 18 47m
f- 37
Mac. 25 pju.27
Prilep m- 46 Mac.45 / / / / / / /
(9f i Fax- 3
Mac.83 Tur. 1
16m) phone
Romi 2m lines 8 Ser 1
Internet-
da
Legend:
MA- municipal administration
m - male
f - female
ES- ethnic structure
ULS – unit of local self-government
LS- local council
CLC- council of local community
80
* the data refer to 2005
81

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STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS

IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

For the publisher

Design and Prepress

Skopje, October 2007

CIP – Katalogizacija vo publikacija

GABER – Damjanovska, Nataša

In 2006, MCIC started with realization of the three

The Study on the Conditions in the Rural Focus

The information found in the Study provides an

The Study poses more questions and challenges

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

The Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC) has entrusted

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

The specific objective of the Study is to serve in the process of identification

The available information should provide clear identification on the present

2.3 Methodology and approach

1. Collection of statistical indicators and data on the communities in the focus of

Municipality Total in- Number Birth rate Num- Number of House-

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

Municipality Connection Connection Point of PHP Local roads Number of

To illustrate further, Macedonia as a state has total of 13,182 kilometres of categorized

Municipality Regular Students % of chil- Rate of lite- Public costs

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

In financing of educational programmes, besides foreign donors (Dutch Embassy, USAID,

4.2. Advantages of the municipalities

“The problem is in crediting. The mortgages are problem. This is a challenge

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

4.3. Disadvantages of the municipalities

“We do not seek a factory, employment, we talk about elementary utilities:

Thus, as common problems, the following occur:

4.4. Regional problems

“The regional road which links 4 municipalities is half built, however, we do

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

4.5. Role of the municipality in overcoming problems

“There is no information provided to us regarding the problems. The citizens are

4.6. Vision for development of the community

“There is a development plan, but on paper only”.

4.7. The role of the local community in the municipality

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

“For example, my husband has a programme that would result in employment of

I’m a registered individual farmer, the registration cost me approximately 100

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

5.1. Public Utility Enterprise

5.2 Water supply and sewerage

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

“There is no road. Who is willing to drive then?”

5.4. Power supply and PTT services

5.5 Educational services

As a problem we can mention the difficulties accompanying the continuation of

The problem of studying as expensive for financing is additionally emphasized, which

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

The protection of the human environment as a problem is recognized in all participants

“There is no industry to pollute”.

“No one is working, who will be able to pollute.”

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

“This must be regulated outside the city”.

5.10 Satisfaction from service providers

STUDY ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES

As most contemporary example of the understanding by some of the service providers