Shkoder, river massacre
16/11/2011 00:00
Linda Rama: Between Family, Work and Albania’s Future 18/08 14:30
While the government is speaking about serious anti-flood measures in Shkoder, the
situation seems very alarming. The rivers around the city keep being
exploited by individuals and companies for inert
materials.
The excavators at the Drin Village are still working, while the trucks continue to their destinations without having any trouble. The same situation was at the Kir River.
A few weeks later, the Ministry of Environment banned the exploitation of the riverbeds from November 1st to April, but it is not being implemented. The interventions at the riverbeds in this period are a big danger for Shkoder, the city that has negative experiences with floods.
Erzen River exploitation suspended
After Top-Channel’s consequent reports for the destruction of the Erzen River, the companies have suspended their work in this river, but it remains unknown if it is only temporary.
The Environmental Inspectorate declared that the exploitation of the river was made through a request that the Ministry of Transports had made to the Ministry of Environment. The request said that the Road Directory was demanding the exploitation of the Erzen riverbed for the construction of the Tirana Outer Ring Road. This request was refused, and it was up to the National Urban Construction Inspectorate (NUCI) to intervene. The latter not only has not stopped the exploitation, but has also allowed the construction companies to continue their work, although the request had been refused.
Regardless the fact that the environmental massacre was reported on Top Channel for many months, the companies have continued the work by causing a great environmental damage. Top Channel has asked for a pronunciation from the NUCI, which holds direct responsibility for the river exploitation, but have repeatedly met their indifference. The inspectorate that holds the main responsibility for stopping the river exploitation in Albania has not given any answer to this issue. The Press Office has declared that in the next days is expected a reaction by this institution.
Environmental experts say that the exploitation of the Erzen River has completely destroyed it and that the consequences are unpredictable, but will be felt soon by the residents who live near these areas.
Top Channel
