Reinforced concrete columns for the new apartment buildings are being erected at the construction site No. 1 in downtown of Laç, while site preparation work and the related infrastructure is progressing rapidly at the construction site No. 2.

Once construction of the two new residential neighbourhoods completes, the quake-affected families in the area will start a new life as they will move into stronger and more beautiful homes.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by the Minister of State for the Reconstruction Arben Ahmetaj and the Mayor of Laç Majlinda Cara, inspected the two new construction sites, where work continues day and night to make sure that the quake-affected residents move into their new dwellings as soon as possible.

The new infrastructure is also designed to address flooding, a long-time problem for the local residents.

Work is also underway to construct new residential buildings, the regional hospital centre, the municipal office building, the sports grounds and recreational areas that will give a completely different and fresh look to the town and will significantly improve the quality of life for more than 800 families affected by the devastating earthquake last November.

“Some 400 parking places and 524 apartments will be built here,” Reconstruction Minister Ahmetaj said, adding that four schools and two kindergartens will be built in addition to the residential buildings and private homes in Laç. Mayor Cara said “the new residential area will become a centre of development for the entire city.”

Work is underway to repair the communal premises in damaged apartment buildings in Laç. All affected families have received government compensation grants according to the damage level in the wake of the earthquake that hit the country on November 26 last year.