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"Ghost incinerators have not solved the problem"/ Zhupa: Tourism needs clean cities

2026-04-04 12:09:00, Aktualitet CNA

"Ghost incinerators have not solved the problem"/ Zhupa: Tourism needs

The Chairperson of the Tourism Commission, Ina Zhupa, stated from Saranda that waste management during the tourist season remains a failure of the government, accusing that the millions spent on "ghost incinerators" have not solved the problem on the ground.

She emphasized that, although Albania produces less waste per capita than the EU average, the country faces high levels of pollution.

It is further stated that the situation in Saranda worsens during the summer, when the population that needs to be managed increases up to fivefold, while the infrastructure and cleaning services remain the same, leading to overflowing trash cans and images that severely damage tourism.

Zhupa called for urgent measures, real investments in recycling and additional support for tourist cities during the season.

Full reaction:

In Saranda to discuss waste management during the tourist season.

The government has still not admitted that it failed with the "phantom incineration", which only burns Albanians' money, and continues to give money that is not known where it goes. In the meantime, it has restored the integrated management and recycling model by law.

In 2024, Albania generated 322 kilograms of urban waste per capita, well below the EU average of 517 kilograms. Despite the fact that our country produces less waste per capita than the EU and the region, it is at high pollution levels according to international reports. This clearly shows the failure in waste management.

The calculation of waste per capita depends directly on the number of resident population and it is known that Albania has suffered a population contraction, especially of young people who are the most active consumers. Therefore, we have a lower level than the EU and regional average.

Regarding waste management in Saranda, it should be said that:

Saranda sends waste to the Bajkaj landfill in Delvina, with depreciated vehicles that pollute more than they clean.

During the summer season, the city faces an up to fivefold increase in population, but waste management remains the same.

Overflowing trash cans in the middle of the day, spontaneous waste collections in Ksamil and throughout the region, images that go viral and severely damage our reputation.

This is a serious problem for tourism and must be addressed effectively in preparation for the opening of the new season. Tourists choose clean destinations. A city with waste on the streets immediately creates the perception of a lack of standards. The image on social networks is crucial. A photo of garbage spreads faster than any positive advertisement.

Saranda and every tourist city need: differentiated waste management, increased government assistance and funding during the tourist season, real investment in recycling and separation at source, and modernization of the cleaning fleet . / CNA