Klement and Merushe are native residents of the village of Baldushk, Tirana Municipality, who, just like many others, were made homeless due to the natural disaster of Nov 26. But not for long as construction of their new house, which offers much better living spaces than their previous dwelling, is about to complete. Prime Minister Edi Rama today visited Baldushk, where 43 new private homes are being built from scratch, now closer to the areas where public services are delivered to residents.
Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj noted that construction of the 43 new houses is about to complete soon. “We are here with Klement and Merushe, who are native residents of this area. Out of 50 houses like this, seven will be built in Berzhite and 43 here in Baldushk. Construction work has entered its final stage with the new houses being insulated in order to increase energy efficiency and lower the cost. It is a typical 2+1 house with two rooms, a sitting room and a porch. Keys to the first new houses will be delivered to the quake-affected families within a week. Once construction of private homes is complete, we will kick off work to construct new residential neighbourhoods,” Veliaj explained.
The family head, who is overseeing the work to construct his new house, expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for the efforts to make sure that rebuilding process completes within a short time to allow families move into their new homes. On his part, PM Rama affirmed commitment to deliver on all pledges. “We will do everything to honour our pledge and built much bigger, safer and more beautiful homes than the old ones. This way, you will be able to forget what you have been through and leave the past behind, but the new house will remain there for you, your nieces and nephews.”
The Minister of State for Reconstruction Arben Ahmetaj noted that the new houses will be provided quick and easy access to the public service area. “We are seeking to bring residents in remote areas of Tirana and other municipalities closer to the public services, schools, health care centres, and water supply systems,” he said.
Tirana Mayor underlined that new properties will gain higher value as they will be built closer to the main roads and will feature better and bigger living spaces.
On his part, PM Rama aid that local residents are being provided the opportunity to improve their daily lives, while losing nothing from the land plot they used to own previously. “What we have already stated since day one is that nobody will be deprived of his or her land. The land belongs to them and the only individuals to walk up that road will be those who will cultivate their agricultural land, whereas old people, children and women will be living closer to the areas where public services are delivered,” the Premier said.
