TIRANA, July 21 /ATA/-By Maela Marini/ Prime Minister Edi Rama assured residents of Theth that the area would be developed through quality projects, adding that all existing buildings had now been legalised.
Speaking with residents about the Mountain Package, Rama also clarified the circumstances surrounding the demolition of illegal structures in Theth several months ago.
“What happened, as you know very well, was that following my visit, a wave of illegal construction began here. It was as if people assumed they could build freely because the structures would eventually be legalised,” Rama said.
He said even the heart of Theth was not spared, referring to the area’s iconic landscape.
“If you search for Theth on Google, the first image you see is the church surrounded by the green meadow. That meadow was taken over, wooden structures were quickly erected, the area was fenced off, covered with gravel and turned into a wound at the very centre of Theth. How could we have allowed that to happen? How could we have accepted this after coming here to honour the genuine efforts and achievements you made before we started providing support?” Rama said.
Rama recalled that during the previous government, Theth was left without roads, electricity and communication services for months. “Those who lived here in winter had no way of leaving or getting assistance,” he said.
He praised those who stayed and invested in the area when Theth lacked basic infrastructure, calling them the pioneers of its development.
Rama said Theth was set to move to a new level of development through quality projects, including those being advanced by the 11 applicants under the Mountain Package.
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