Vehicle Shortage and Million-Euro Debts Weigh on Skopje’s Communal Hygiene Company

When Dragi Mitkovski took over the management of the communal hygiene company, the entire capital relied on just sixteen operational waste collection vehicles.

According to him, the reality remains far from the required standards, as the operator still lacks adequate vehicles. A large number of them are out of service due to breakdowns or complete wear and tear. At the same time, there is a shortage of containers in the field, while most of those available are severely damaged and need replacing.

“We are currently managing to keep around 50 to 60 vehicles in operation. It is difficult, but we are aiming for an acceptable level. Of course, the ideal situation is still far away, but we are doing everything on our part to maintain at least minimal continuity in the collection of household waste,” said Dragi Mitkovski, Director of the Public Enterprise “Communal Hygiene” – Skopje.

Director Mitkovski openly acknowledges that the situation on the ground is unsatisfactory, but adds that improvements are imminent. By August, the company expects to receive around 3,300 new containers and new work vehicles for its services.

“We believe there will soon be progress, as the procedures for two municipal vehicles donated by the City of Skopje have been completed, and they are expected to arrive during August. Also, by the end of this month, the order for 40 vehicles through the Ministry of Transport and Communications is expected to be finalized — the tenders have been completed and we are now awaiting delivery. In addition, 100 containers will arrive within the month, while another 3,300 new units will arrive by the end of August,” explained Dragi Mitkovski, Director of the Public Enterprise “Communal Hygiene” – Skopje.

Meanwhile, the State Audit Office’s 2024 report has highlighted a number of serious financial, technical and organisational shortcomings within Skopje’s Public Enterprise for Communal Hygiene. According to the document, the company has accumulated liabilities of around €12 million and is struggling to collect more than €2 million from users’ bills.

The audit also found violations in the hiring of 354 workers through a private agency without an annual employment plan, as well as irregularities in salary calculations. The report recommends urgent measures to achieve financial consolidation, renew the vehicle fleet and strengthen management mechanisms.