The regional water utility company of Mitrovica, KRU Mitrovica, has announced significant water supply reductions in Southern Mitrovica, Vushtrri, and Skenderaj following damages caused by an attack on the Ibër-Lepenc water canal last week.
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| The Ibër-Lepenc canal damaged with explosives while being guarded by the Kosovo special forces |
Affected Areas and Schedule
The reductions will impact urban and rural areas alike, with scheduled outages designed to manage the strained supply:
Southern Mitrovica:
- Urban areas: No water from 18:00 to 06:00.
- Rural areas: No water from 09:00 to 18:00.
Vushtrri:
- Urban areas: No water from 18:00 to 06:00.
- Rural areas: No water from 09:00 to 18:00.
Skenderaj:
- Urban areas: No water from 18:00 to 06:00.
- Rural areas: No water from 09:00 to 18:00.
KRU Mitrovica has not specified how long these reductions will last but urged residents to use water sparingly during this period of disruption.
Consequences of the Ibër-Lepenc Canal Attack
The water shortages stem from a recent explosion at the Ibër-Lepenc water canal in Zubin Potok. This canal supplies water from the Ujman Lake (Gazivoda) to critical regions in Kosovo, including Mitrovica and Pristina, as well as to the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK) for cooling its thermal power plants.
Kosovo authorities have attributed the attack to neighboring Serbia, accusing it of sabotage aimed at destabilizing the region. Serbia has denied these allegations. The incident has exacerbated existing tensions between the two countries, which are already at odds over several unresolved issues, including territorial disputes and the status of Kosovo’s northern municipalities.
A Call for Responsible Water Use
In light of the situation, KRU Mitrovica has called on residents to use water rationally to ensure a fair distribution among all consumers. Additionally, the utility has warned against using tap water for drinking due to compromised quality in the current circumstances.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the vulnerability of Kosovo’s critical infrastructure amidst ongoing political tensions in the region. With the Ibër-Lepenc canal being a vital lifeline for water supply and energy production, disruptions not only affect daily life but also have broader implications for Kosovo’s energy security and economic stability.
As the region faces mounting challenges, this crisis underscores the urgent need for cooperation, conflict resolution, and infrastructure resilience to prevent further destabilization.