Bulqize, the poor town rich in chrome

Many of those who search for chrome are children, a reality that has been accepted by everyone in Bulqize.

The Mayor of Bulqize, Melaim Dmzi, says that the case of working children is not a wide-spread phenomenon, but there have been sporadic cases all the time. “We have spoken with the chrome buyers to not accept chrome from children, but the sale is then done by the adults in their families”, the Mayor says.

The Director of the “Xhevdet Doda” school, Lindita kaja, considers it normal, but she ensures that the work is done on holidays or after school hours.

“Collecting chrome at the house yard is something normal, because you teach your child about working”, she said.

Social Services have been accused by the opposition of threatening parents to cut their welfare payment if they keep sending children to collect chrome, an accusation that Social Services have rejected.

“We need every institution to cooperate normally, so that we can change this situation”, says Haxhi Pulja, Director of the Social Service in Bulqiza.

The same message comes from the Director of the Employment Office, who says that they have asked the establishing of a task-force to stop the phenomenon.

Despite official appeals, children keep searching chrome on the stock piles.

Just one day ago, a 23-year-old boy died in this town, crushed by a massive of mineral.

Since 2008 there have been 172 accidents in mines, with 16 people losing their lives. Most of the accidents have taken place due to safety issues during work.

Despite having the richest underground in Albania, Bulqize doesn’t benefit much from chrome. Piles of raw materials are searched every day by children, men and women who have to make a living out of that. Despite the great risks, the weight of poverty is heavier than the weight of a bucket filled with chrome.

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