The site for construction of the road linking Balldren and Bend in the region of Lezha, northwest Albania, has been opened for first time in 20 years. The 19.3-km road, stretching through the residential area of Torovice, will undergo a full reconstruction project. Completely deteriorated and with its certain sections inherently dangerous for drivers, this road segment has turned into a serious obstacle to normal vehicle and pedestrian communication.

Prime Minister Edi Rama inspected the works to construct the road in Torovice. Around 10.000 residents in the administrative units of Torovice, Balldre, Malecajve, Shkembi i Kuq and Kolajaka will benefit from its reconstruction.

The Premier met many local residents, who welcome the long-waited road project. The expressed satisfaction that a completely new road will be built in their area after more than two decades. They say that they have been thinking about leaving the area just because of the poor road conditions. “We are grateful for your visit and the project to construct this road of vital importance to the area. Local residents have suffered a lot because of the lack of road infrastructure and many have abandoned their homes. I have also been mulling over plans to move somewhere else. However, finally the road is being constructed and we are really grateful,” a local resident said.

“You have been lacking the road for over 25 years. We will now build a new road that meets highest standards. We also plan to kick off works to construct the road linking the coastal towns of Shengjin and Velipoje. We are also committed to construct the Milot-Balldren road,” the Premier said.

Once complete, the road will provide local farmers with access to markets and it will become an important segment for the movement of vehicles and local residents.