The Tapiza water catchment in Kruja is one of 700 projects implemented under the National Irrigation Master Plan that have already more than doubled the arable land in Albania. This reservoir, which it was left abandoned since its construction several decades ago, is one of the most important irrigation projects as it provides for the irrigation of about 2500 ha of land

Irrigation water now is available to areas left barren by recurring drought to spur the growth of agricultural production.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture Bledi Çuçi, today visited the Tapiza water reservoir to check efficiency of this irrigation project. “Due to its degradation over the years, we were forced to initially discharge entire water from the reservoir and then reinforce the dam so that to prevent floods in the area. The project will become fully operational after the rainy season and it will irrigate all agricultural land in the area. It used to be a very important irrigation work and we are confident that the new project we have developed will ensure irrigation of the arable land and will prevent potential floods in the area,” Agriculture Minister said.

PM Rama likened the communist-era water catchment with a ticking time bomb. “Neglected since its construction decades ago , the Tapiza water catchment had turned into a ticking time bomb due to degradation and massive landslides. But today it has been transformed into a safe source of livelihood for the farmers in the area,” he said.  “There are over 700 irrigation projects that have developed a catchment and water distribution capacity with an impact on thousands and thousands of hectares of land that until yesterday were left barren due to lack of water. Now they are supplied with water constantly,” the Premier said, adding that thanks to the irrigation program there has been an extraordinary transformation related to the impact on agricultural production and exports.