TIRANA, June 7 /ATA/ – An operation to demolish illegal buildings along coastal areas started Monday in the coastal towns of Ksamil, southern Albania, and Velipoje in northwest, as protection of the territory and tourism development are top government priorities.
The Minister of Interior Bledi Çuçi stated that “Our Coast” operation will continue along entire coastline to free every illegally occupied space and bring lawbreakers before justice.
Monitoring the operation in the southern coastal town of Ksamil, the Deputy Interior Minister Julian Hodaj emphasized that no territory abuser will be tolerated. He also warned that every relevant official will also be held accountable for turning a blind eye and tolerating unauthorized construction activities.
Hodaj said that the operation was announced by the Prime Minister last month and it will first start in Ksamil and Velipoje and will further expand to include entire tourist coastal areas.
“Every individual who has built illegally or has abused with the public assets and land should feel really worried. I have received no reports of clashes with the police. Whoever opposes the operation can choose to follow administrative procedures or refer the case to the court,” Hodaj said.
Asked why the operation kicked off ahead of the summer tourism season, Hodaj noted that “the issue becomes more sensitive at the start of the tourism season as it is also the time of the year when attempts increase to occupy public lands or build construction additions other than stipulated by the construction permit.”
“The tourism season has yet to fully begin and I am confident that the work volume and plans will allow us to complete the operation within June 30,” he said.
Deputy Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari told reporters while following the operation in the coastal town of Velipoja said that the operation will expand to include entire coastline.
He said the operation is a state-building reform to ensure rule of law enforcement, environment and nature protection.
Asked whether the move would tarnish the country’s image in the eyes of international visitors, Lamallari said: “I don’t think the country’s image would be stained when tourists see how law enforcement agencies really enforce the law.”
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