The Urban Renaissance, a series of projects launched to renew the image of local towns and squares across Albania after years of neglect, is now being expanded to the neighborhoods across the coastal city of Vlora with the urban requalification projects designed to transform Kume and Çole neighbourhoods.

Kume neighbourhood in Vlora, a previously problematic block with its dilapidated infrastructure, is now being renewed thanks to its new underground infrastructure, green spaces, and construction of new access infrastructure linking the neighbourhood with the main roads.

Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Vlora to inspect progress of the ongoing urban renaissance projects there. The urban rehabilitation investment is widely welcomed by the community due to the investment’s positive impact.

“This investment is welcomed by the community as they are already witnessing its results. The buildings facades and walls will be adapted and unified according to the project. Asphalt paving of the streets is set to begin within 10 days after other infrastructure related works have completed. A part of the design will be reviewed as we need to improve parts of it. The investment will increase value of the properties in the coastal city,” Deputy Mayor Afrim Qendro said, adding that work is also underway to build new water supply system. “In the meantime, we are also working to build the new water supply system and ultimately rehabilitate wastewater and sewerage system, lighting and green spaces,” Deputy Mayor Afrim Qendro said.

The Çole neighbourhood in Vlora is also being transformed to create a common quality space for the life of the community there. After inspecting the works in the Kume neighbourhood, Prime Minister Rama also visited the Çole neighbourhood, where work is underway to upgrade road infrastructure.

“Around 60% of the project is complete. Underground infrastructure is now complete. Construction of sidewalk and parks has completed. The buildings’ facades are being painted. This whole block will work also in terms of the traffic circulation,” Qendro said.

This project will not only create new spaces in the residential block, but will also open connecting axes with the main roads of the city. Currently, new water supply and sewerage networks have been built and electrical works have been carried out, while work continues on the road infrastructure, greenery and facades of the buildings.