The Bypass of Fier, 22 kilometers long, is a very important road project which will connect the freeways Lushnje-Fier and Levan-Vlorë. Comprised of 2 flyovers and 4 lanes, it is joined in the final section of the highway in Durres. As part of the north-south corridor, the Bypass provides the final solution for movement and eases it especially during the tourist season, where the flow of movement on this highway is too high. With its completion, the time of movement is significantly shortened, since the road is expected to be travelled in 15 minutes.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by Minister of Transport Edmond Haxhinasto and MPs of the district inspected today the construction of this By-pass.
The works manager informed that subcontractors are working at a fast speed simultaneously in several sections, in Fier, Lushnje and Vlore. Along the bypass 4 flyovers and underpasses and three bridges are being built, 80 meters each. One of the flyovers will be built near the archaeological site of Apollonia. The manager assured that one lane of the road will be opened in June 2015.
The completion of a lane at the start of the tourist season, according to the commitment made by the construction company, was considered as very important by the Prime Minister.
In addition, the construction company representative noted that 450 skilled workers have been engaged in the construction of the Bypass; they used to work in Italy and now are back. The Bypass of Fier is an investment worth approximately 40 million Euros.
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Prime Minister Rama inspected also the road Kthesa e Qarrit – Pish Poro, included in the complete reconstruction with all elements of the road infrastructure, underground works, sidewalks in residential areas and signage.
The works manager informed the Prime Minister that part of the road construction has already been completed and work is currently carried out for building sidewalks on the road that crosses residential areas and putting horizontal and vertical signs. These works are expected to end soon.
Investment for this road is worth over 190 million ALL.
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During his visit to Fier, the Prime Minister stopped by in Patos at the broiler rearing private enterprise Driza Shpk. Through the support of government subsidies program for agriculture this venture has increased domestic production capacity by reducing import.
This sector is regarded as a potentially competitive sector for our country, since more than half of these kinds of birds are imported as a result of the inability of domestic production to cover the demand of the domestic market.
The entrepreneur briefed the Prime Minister with the advantages derived from the subsidy scheme. With the new plant investment funded also by the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development, the production capacity of Driza Shpk has increased up to 40%. “There are a total of 5 barns built. By subsidizing this scheme, the company’s total investment has grown to 345 thousand Euros. The devices became functional at a record time, thus reducing the cost of production. With the technology we will have the opportunity to compete also in European markets, as technology means development. We have replaced the electricity we used to heat birds with new boilers” – the entrepreneur of Driza ShPK said.
Besides highlighting the importance of the Prime Minister’s presence, the manager of the enterprise added that government support has given concrete results. “We sincerely appreciate your coming here because this is an important sector. Many ministers and authorities have come before, but what the current government has done is a reality that we can see and touch, they are not just words.”
Looking closely at the new production technology, the Prime Minister said that domestic production of poultry meat is one of the priorities of the agricultural sector, aiming at the same time its export. The Prime Minister promised to support the sector through a whole new approach. “We have totally changed the approach. We rely on investments that create a closed cycle and increase domestic production by balancing domestic markets, but also increase exports. Production of poultry meat is one of our priorities, and we will continue to support the sector in order to reverse the balance of the market, by reducing the cost and lower the price of meat in relation to the price of import.”
The Prime Minister said that the stories of charity to farmers are over once and for all and that the notion of competition and fair profit will be a priority in order to develop agriculture. “The distribution of a thousand crumbs of charity that has been practiced for years, with party membership cards and without work order, without knowing where production goes, without knowing what you plant here and what you harvest there, is over. That story is over. We will go through this stage together by really introducing the notion of competition, the notion of profit, the notion of capitalism in the countryside. Certainly based on examples of success that you have, we will stimulate also others. I am convinced that everyone will start to wake up from the drowsiness where charity held them and will begin to see that there are endless possibilities.”
Among other things, this venture will be financially supported through schemes in the construction of “parental center” which will enable the production of eggs in Albania and not their imports from Italy, as it currently happens. “The aim of the company has been to build a parenting center so that eggs are not taken from abroad, but open here thus reducing the cost, having a controlled production from the egg to the meat on the table of the consumer” – the entrepreneur said.
During the conversation with the Prime Minister, the entrepreneur also said that procedures have already been simplified and projects are receiving support and finding quick solution. “The EBRD came two years ago, did a study, we paid all dues to them, we agreed and the loan of 1 million 600 thousand Euros was approved in London. But the project was not completed, because we did not have the permit. Whereas, within two months I got the permit and I was willing to make the investment, and I am not saying this because you are here”- the manager of the company said.
While encouraged this innovation, the Prime Minister explained that for all constructions that are necessary for activity such as agriculture, or in other areas, the procedure of issuing the building permit is immediate, passing through the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development.
“For all constructions that are necessary for productive activity whether in agriculture or in all other areas, we have an immediate procedure of issuing the building permit. There is a lot of disinformation, and all farmers must know that whoever applies for permit for productive activity, will receive it right away through the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development” – Prime Minister Rama concluded.
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The Prime Minister stopped by at the Police Department of Fier district, where a one- stop-shop provides unified procedures to citizens.
Chief Commander Ervin Hodaj informed the Prime Minister on the new facilities for the reception and service to the citizens and the volume of work performed in these facilities. According to him, there are approximately 60 applications submitted by citizens per day to obtain different services from the police, starting from certificates, passport applications and applications for licenses or other documents. In addition, approximately 15 reports by citizens are received per day in this office.
There are facilities for special services such as the office for interviewing minors, a process which is carried out by psychologists, while police follow through audio recording. In addition, an office of the Albanian Post has been launched next to the one-stop-shop for citizens, where citizens can find assistance for various administrative fees they have to pay.
