TIRANA, May 19 /ATA/ Democratic Party lawmaker Luçiano Boçi, co-chair of the Commission on Administrative-Territorial Reform, emphasized the importance of citizen participation in decision-making processes and the need for a reform that enhances the functionality of local government during a public hearing on territorial reform in Durrës.
According to him, the issue of territorial reform is directly linked to how citizens perceive community life and their relationship with the territory in which they live.
“This hearing addresses one of the most fundamental issues, which directly impacts who we are as a society, how we perceive life, and how we value the place where we live,” Boçi stated.
The lawmaker highlighted the role of public hearings, which he described as one of the most effective mechanisms for local government to involve citizens in decision-making and ensure accountability.
“Public hearings are among the most efficient ways for local authorities to engage citizens in decision-making, gather their input, and exercise accountability,” he stated.
Boçi highlighted the lack of public hearings, arguing that many important projects in Durrës would have taken a different course had citizens’ voices been heard earlier.
“If public hearings had been held in Durrës, I believe the Port of Durrës would have a different outlook today. Even the TID project would have been conceived and implemented differently, as it would have incorporated citizens’ input,” he said.
According to the Democratic lawmaker, the lack of public consultation has created a gap between citizens and local institutions.
Addressing the issue of territorial reform, Boçi asserted that its principal objective should be to strengthen the functionality of local government, thereby ensuring that citizens have access to more efficient and timely public services.
“Territorial reform should aim to enhance the operational capacity of local government, with the goal of delivering higher-quality, faster, and more effective services to citizens,” he stated.
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