The work to construct the eastern segment of the Tirana Big Ring road, which is expected to bring about a fundamental urban change to the surrounding area, is already underway. The project, which integrates Tirana’s Shkoza neighbourhood with the city’s big ring road, will meet the standards of category A urban area. Prime Minister Edi Rama inspected the works on construction of the road segment in Shkoza, accompanied by the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Damian Gjiknuri, and the Head of the Albanian Road Authority, Afrim Qendro.

“The $40 million investment is being implemented to build a three-lane road that will meet the required lighting and greening standards with the parameters also suitable for the urban areas,” Infrastructure and Energy Minister said in his remarks.

The Director of the Albanian Road Authority said that a previous project on construction of this segment of the ring road project in Tirana envisaged a two-lane ring road with no overpasses, lighting system and green spaces. Once the investment complete, this ring road will ease traffic pressure and will also avoid flooding and prevent detrimental effects of flood waters from the Lana River during winter season.

“The 1.6-km project begins at maternity hospital and it includes works on rehabilitation of both sides of the Lana River,” Qendro underlined.

The project in the area includes land expropriation and compensation process for the affected families. Prime Minister Rama stated that all affected will be entitled to property compensation according to the law.

“The expropriation process will take in compliance with all rules. The residents living in the area before the ’90s are entitled to a 100% compensation, although the ownership certificates in the area have always been problematic, yet they will be treated at maximum attention. Others will be provided a social solution and that’s it,” KM Rama said.

The government head also pointed out the difference between the quality works being carried out by his government and those developed by the previous cabinet.

“We keep on reconstructing or building from scratch and transforming every poorly constructed road by the previous government. You disgraced us in Brussels a day ago, but we have no other choice. We will continue to cooperate with the business,” the Premier said.

Construction of the road traffic signs, green spaces, lighting system, overpasses for vehicles and pedestrians and the works up the European standard will improve the traffic circulation and accessibility, and the project will also help to improve the quality of life of the citizens.