The Social Audit Team in the Municipality of Lipjan monitored the implementation of public projects financed through the Municipal Performance Grant during September and October, focusing on roads, public infrastructure, and sites of cultural and historical importance.

The team, composed of active citizens, monitored four projects in Lipjan: Reconstruction of Ajet Kozhani Road in Poturofc and Ribar i Madh, Reconstruction of Dobrotin–Sllovi Road, Construction of the Kosovo Liberation Army Veterans’ House Museum in Krojmir, Construction of the Gabion Wall in Gadime e Ulët (near the cave).

Following field visits, meetings with contract managers, and discussions with citizens, the team submitted its recommendations to improve project quality and enhance transparency in implementation.

During visits, citizens and team members identified several issues that require the attention of the municipal executive. For the Ajet Kozhani Road Reconstruction Project, the team highlighted the lack of sidewalks, public lighting, and speed bumps meeting safety standards. In the Dobrotin–Sllovi Road Reconstruction, the work was positively evaluated, but the absence of waste bins and accessible sidewalks for persons with disabilities was noted.

Regarding the Kosovo Liberation Army Veterans’ House Museum in Krojmir, the team observed missing safety measures at the construction site and suggested interior modifications to improve the museum’s functionality for the community. Meanwhile, in the Gabion Wall, Parking, and Bus Station Project in Gadime e Ulët, the team noted that work had not yet begun due to the absence of an environmental permit, as the area is protected.

After analyzing the findings, the Social Audit Team prepared and submitted a set of recommendations to the municipality and relevant directorates, including engaging citizens early in the project design phase, promoting participatory budgeting, increasing the involvement of women in decision-making processes, and ensuring public lighting, sidewalks, and safety barriers for citizens’ protection.

For the Gabion Wall project, the team received a response from the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning confirming the lack of an environmental permit. Accordingly, an urgent recommendation was submitted to the municipality to extend the project’s dynamic plan and initiate works as soon as possible to prevent further delays in full implementation and functionality.

Finally, the team emphasized the importance of continuous consultation with the community throughout all project phases to ensure transparency, quality, and a lasting positive impact on the lives of Lipjan’s citizens.

In 2025, BIRN Kosovo and Democracy Plus (D+) were engaged by the Decentralization and Municipal Support Project (DEMOS) to facilitate the Social Audit process for 16 selected projects in Kaçanik, Istog, Drenas, Dragash, Lipjan, and Mamushë.

These projects are financed through the Municipal Performance Grant, with the 2025 Social Audit cycle running from August to December 2025.