Work is underway in the village of Floq, south-eastern district of Korça, to rebuild homes that were destroyed or damaged by a powerful earthquake that hit the area in June leaving many residents homeless. Intense reconstruction work is taking place in order to heal the wounds of people as soon as possible and make sure that no family is left in the emergency tents ahead of winter. At least 20 houses are being reconstructed and repaired in the village of Floq. The June earthquake damaged some 120 homes, 40 of which are being built from scratch.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku, inspected the ongoing reconstruction works in the village of Floq. Energy and Infrastructure Minister said that work is running on schedule in order to complete whole project ahead of winter season. “This is one of the initial construction sites and 20 houses will be reconstructed here in Floq. Work goes on to rebuild 14 houses, while one house has completed, five others are about to complete and work will then continue to rebuild the remaining five houses,” Balluku said.
The family of 80-year-old Vangjeli Ramollit, consisting of three members, were the first to take shelter in their newly-built home. “In deciding the houses that are eligible for reconstruction, we have given high priority to the level of damage, as well as the needs of various families with children and ailing old people,” Balluku explained.
On his part, Prime Minister Rama reiterated that the goal was to make sure that construction works complete ahead of upcoming winter and no family remains in the emergency tents.
“I am very pleased at seeing that initial newly-built homes are opening their doors. A lot of work remains to be done, but the objective is that no family continues to live in tents before arrival of winter. It is crucially important that people live no longer in tents before the winds, rain, snow and cold conditions of the winter months. We have already raised money in two funds, one the solidarity fund provided by other municipalities run by Socialist mayors and another raised during a fund raising campaign by the Socialist Party. Likewise, many private companies have assumed their social responsibilities to provide aid and assistance in this project and therefore a complex funding has been raised,” PM Rama said.
The Head of the Civil Emergency Department Haki Çako noted that great sense of solidarity has been demonstrated both by state institutions and various private companies. “A total of 120 homes are being rebuilt, with 40 of them being built from scratch. Procedures are also already underway to reconstruct and repair every other damaged building. On the other hand, a Council of Minister’s decision to provide compensation for a third category of houses suffering minor damages will be made soon. I am confident that damages caused by the tremor will be repaired and the affected area will recover very soon.”
The government head inspected many other new houses that are being constructed from scratch and work is about to complete. Minister Balluku informed that “work to rebuild all damaged homes in the village of Qafezeze is set to kick off in next ten days, and the process will then continue in the area of Erseke.”
