Critical Analysis of Investment Efficiency in Construction of Water Supply and Sewerage Systems

The recent decade has been the period of intensive investing in construction of water supply and sewerage systems. Major cities and strong industrial centers are relying on loans and their own funds, while minor communities are dependent on funds from various sources: international loans, funds of Hrvatske vode, grants. On the basis of a large number of reviews of designs made for the Ministry of Regional Development, Forestry and Water Management (former Ministry of the Sea, Tourism, Transport and Development), Hrvatske vode and other commissioners, the authors have gained considerable insight into the efficiency of investing of large funds, analyzing all relevant factors. Subject to analysis were various influences essentially affecting the efficiency of the investment, such as: decision-making on construction, ordering and preparing of design documentation, minimum technical criteria, strategic approach, integrity of material and labor market, misuse, psychological and sociological problems, etc. Analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the existing practice, problems are indicated, and suggestions are given how to overcome the adverse situation.