Shkodra Region, risk of flooding/ Çako: We will build civil emergency centers in Bushat

2025-11-01 11:43:00, Aktualitet CNA

Shkodra Region, risk of flooding/ Çako: We will build civil emergency

The Shkodra region is in constant danger from floods and fires. In order to prevent them, an inter-institutional meeting was held in the prefecture. The director of the national civil emergencies agency, Haki Çako, said that a center for civil emergencies will be built in Bushat to then continue with the construction of other such centers in the country for the management of natural disasters.

"Shkodra is at risk from floods, fires, landslides and therefore these experiences have taught us that prevention is more effective than reaction after the event, therefore this project has a special importance and helps us move from a reactive approach to a proactive preventive approach by empowering not only institutions but also communities and citizens to be better prepared", said Majlinda Angoni, prefect of Shkodra district.

"It is one of the most consolidated and important projects in Albania. It is a vision to increase resistance to natural disasters. Shkodra is one of the most exposed regions in terms of natural disasters. The Albanian government has focused on investments for the municipalities of the Shkodra region. A civil emergency center for natural disaster management will be established in Bushat. We are also designing several other centers, one in Vlora, one in Burrel and one in Korça", said Haki Çako, Director of the Civil Emergency Agency.

Randi Davis, UNDP representative in Albania, and Philipp Arnold, Deputy Head of the Swiss Embassy, ??stated that it is important that through the RESEAL project, which is in its second phase, there is a focus on natural disasters and the prevention of economic losses.

"It is not only Albania at such a moment and these disasters are increasing everywhere. We have built on very good ground for managing these policies. We have been working since 2019 and have learned powerful lessons from what we have done in this region. There have been policies to prevent natural disasters and we have funded projects related to climate change. Today we are showing continued support for economic growth in the region. We remain committed to supporting you," said Randis Davis.

"There is a high risk of natural disasters, snow, avalanches, floods or fires. This initiative aims to improve the management of natural disasters and strengthen the project in Albania. Here we cover several points such as decentralization, regional development, waters and we have a wide portfolio. Shkodra has droughts, floods, fires and endanger people and lead to economic damage. This project will help prevent disasters and we aim to support here where the risks are high and there will be assets to protect the population. A serious commitment from you is essential for the implementation of this project and results are aimed for the population and businesses", said Philip Arnold.

Meanwhile, the mayors of the Shkodra district municipalities outlined the problems they face, saying that investments and equipment with various tools to cope with natural disasters are urgent.

"Shkodra is one of the most exposed cities in terms of hydrology and has negative effects in terms of floods and natural disasters. Let's put it into effect as soon as possible because it has an impact," said Rudin Beka, Deputy Mayor of Shkodra Municipality.

"Municipalities should have the opportunity to protect residents from natural disasters and the risks that are present. Vau Dejës has many problems with floods and fires. The Municipality of Vau Dejës will be maximally committed to this project," said Kristjan Shkreli, the mayor of Vau Dejës.

"The Municipality of Puka received a fine for not having a strategy for civil emergencies and now we will do it through this project. We thank UNDP. The importance of Civil Protection is above all, it is key for people's lives. We have plans so that investments do not go to waste but to have a plan for civil protection. It is lucky for the Shkodra region to start it first. The Municipality of Puka is like Switzerland in terms of relief, there are problems and such a plan is required and investments for protection from fires, erosion. Many forest areas have been stripped bare, forests have been cut down, becoming fertile soil and this has caused problems because erosion is doing its job because thousands of lands have landslides and investments are required. Puka is crossed by streams and rivers and many villages are without connecting bridges and our requests have been continuous and I hope that all of these will be taken into account", said Rrok Dodaj, head of the Municipality of Puka.

"I have done 70% of this project, but if 5 municipalities in Albania enter, they cannot do it without a recent civil emergency strategy. We are a municipality with large areas and potentially as a municipality the risk is great. Climate warming, environmental processes that have occurred and it is surrounded by a 75 km2 water line and this affects. We have problems in obtaining information from other institutions because land studies are needed, etc. We need emergency investments and equipment", declared Hilë Curri, mayor of the Municipality of Fushë Arra.

Phase II of the RESEAL project begins in Shkodra with a focus on updating risk assessments, strengthening local capacities and replicating successful models for long-term sustainability in natural disaster management. After the meeting, a search and rescue demonstration by the National Security Forces was also held in Shkodra./ CNA