For the first time a new technology is adopted for the street lighting system in the country. The system was tested today in the presence of Prime Minister Edi Rama during the inspection for the reconstruction of the road Prush-Gropaj in the municipality of Vaqarr, in Tirana. The investment for this reconstruction is made by the Albanian Development Fund. On this occasion, the Prime Minister got acquainted with the advantages of the new system.

“It is the first time we are experimenting a new photovoltaic technology for the street lighting. Photovoltaic systems are autonomous for several days, even when it rains. They are autonomous, because there is no need for lighting. Additionally, they help the budget of municipalities, because they do not have to pay as long as there is lighting autonomy” – Director of the Albanian development Fund, Mr. Benet Beci said.

With good remarks for the project, Prime Minister Rama said that the introduction of a new technology also for Europe has the intent to provide a final solution to some problems and, at the same time, to turn Albania into a model country in this regard.

“First of all, this is green energy. Secondly, it will solve the terrible problem of vandalism and cable theft in streets. Thirdly, it solves the problem of local government expenditures, which practically are mandatory and, on the other hand, cause a large accumulation of debt towards the distribution company, because they do not pay. They do not pay because they cannot pay. Especially municipalities are unable to pay the costs. If we adopt this technology, we will have a comprehensive solution and will transform Albania into a model country. European countries have now started to adopt this technology, so we are entering a completely new phase”- the Prime Minister said.

In Vaqarr, Prime Minister Rama visited also the factory of domestic production of photovoltaic lighting columns. He said to factory managers that this is a very important transformation in terms of streets lighting in the country, which in most cases are pitch dark.

“It’s very important for us to make a major transformation as far as street lighting is concerned. It had become ridiculous. There was darkness everywhere in highways, despite investments”- the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister noted that domestic production constitutes a priority due to lower costs and opportunities for maintenance.