Building work continues apace on the last days of the year to construct a large residential complex in Spitalle, Durres municipality. Construction of the brand new residential complex for the local quake-affected families is funded by the Crown Prince of United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has assigned Mohamed Alabbar, head of multinational real estate development company Emaar Group, to coordinate this major project in collaboration with the Albanian government that is funding whole infrastructure of the new complex through the Albanian Development Fund.
Prime Minister Edi Rama today toured the construction site in Spitalle, accompanied by the Chairman of the Emaar Group, Mohamed Alabbar, to closely inspect progress of the ongoing reconstruction work.
“We are now visiting the site where new apartment buildings are being constructed. Work is also underway on construction of the urban infrastructure in collaboration with the Albanian Development Fund. Likewise, work has also kicked off as part of the first construction phase of 154 apartments. Contracts have been already signed on construction of a total of 1000 apartments in this site. First phase is already underway with the Albanian Development Fund and we expect it to complete in the next nine months or in one year at most, as construction work has been hindered due to the fact that building is taking place in a former marshland and more infrastructure solutions and work are needed,” Mayor of Durres Emirjana Sako said.
“Incredible progress has been made with the post-earthquake reconstruction programme in Durres,” the Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj said, adding that “residents in this city have benefited the highest amount in government compensation grants. “More than 300 DS4-taged apartment buildings have been either repaired or are being reconstructed,” he said.
Prime Minister Rama praised what he described a colossal work in this respect, expressing gratitude for the special contribution provided by the United Arab Emirates and saying this contribution will remain in the memory of our country forever.
“I have to tell you – you already know, but I have to tell you publicly – that what you have personally done is invaluable and, of course, it is unforgettable. It will forever remain in the memory of this country what His Majesty did, after I met him in his country, where he promised to help us through this huge support and assistance. He then called you and you started work immediately. The Abu Dhabi-provided funds are now on the right track. Work is progressing on construction of the first section of the project. In the meantime, construction of the whole infrastructure is funded by the government through the Albanian Development Fund, because as you can see for yourself, a two-meter high layer should be built before construction activity begins since the site is located on a former marshland. The area itself is called Former Marshland. Transforming this former swamp into a brand new residential neighbourhood, absolutely the most beautiful one that meets the highest quality standards in Durres, means turning a horrible tragedy into an opportunity to improve lives of the citizens and make sure they lead better lives than prior to the earthquake. We owe you a public gratitude, a gratitude to His Highness, the government of the Emirates and the people of United Arab Emirates for providing largest financial assistance to support one of the largest post-earthquake housing projects here in Spitalle, along with another major housing project being constructed in the town of Laç through assistance of the Turkish government and President Erdogan. Both projects combined will provide 2500 housing units. An Albanian saying has it “when tough times come, you know who your friends are.”
A significant assistance is certainly being provided by the European Union to build new educational facilities, half of which have been funded by the Albanian government. The EU is also funding important projects in the cultural heritage sites that sustained damages due to the earthquake.
It is a joy, it is happiness that when politics works for the people such residential blocs are built and such homes, which can be afforded by wealthy individuals only, are being granted to people who would never afford purchasing them.
It is very nice that you are here and you are doing something important for those who are most in need, but also something important for the wealthy people to come and spend their money in Albania. This way you are helping people socially, helping the economy for everyone through high-level tourism.
Earlier today I announced that Durrës will host a fireworks festival as a gift from the Dubai Marina for the future Durrës Marina. It is your expression of love for the citizens of Durrës. Let us wish all the citizens of Durrës a very Happy Year! 2022 will be an extraordinary year for Durrës and this decade will put Durrës on the world map of the must-visit destinations,” Prime Minister Rama said.
