TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ – The draft budget for 2026 provides funding for 11 programs across key sectors of economic development, including energy, infrastructure, natural resources, industry, railways, maritime, air and road transport, urban planning, and water supply and sewerage.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Enkeleda Muçaj told lawmakers at a parliamentary hearing on the state budget bill on Wednesday, said the country’s strategic infrastructure projects are progressing as planned, with many now nearing completion.
“Our goal is to ensure the full implementation of public investments and to foster regional development throughout next year,” she stated.
On the Qukës–Qafë Plloçë road, Muçaj noted that despite earlier technical and geological challenges, the project is now fully completed. Regarding the Korçë–Ersekë road, she explained that it is under warranty, with the contractor addressing remaining issues at no additional cost to the state budget.
She also referred to the Thumanë–Kashar highway as one of the key toll-based concession projects within the government’s strategy to modernize Albania’s main road network.
Responding to questions from lawmakers, Muçaj said the Milot–Balldren road is in the bidding review phase and expected to proceed to contract by June 2026.
For the Elbasan–Qafë Thanë segment, she said construction continues across all lots: the first phase has completed 5 km, while 3.84 km of the second lot are set to finish by April 2026. The Librazhd bypass has achieved over 50% physical progress.
Muçaj added that preparatory work is under way for the Rrogozhinë–Durrës road, while financing options for the Elbasan bypass are under discussion.
She clarified that the Milot–Balldren segment, being a concession project, is not reflected in the state budget, and that all sections of the Ionian Corridor are undergoing concession procedures.
“The improvement of road infrastructure remains both an economic and tourism priority, as better connectivity and new highways will boost transport and tourism flows across the country,” Muçaj underlined.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Besjan Kadiu said the 2026 state budget also allocates funding for the energy program, divided into three main areas: industry, natural resources, and energy.
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