With a limit fund of 20.8 billion lekë, the Albanian Development Fund has opened the tender for implementation of this project that foresees comprehensive interventions.

According to the technical report, the intervention includes an underground parking lot, archaeological museum, the Chapel of Mother Teresa, service areas and a public square.

One of the most important changes is related to car circulation. The traffic that currently passes on the surface of the square is expected to be moved to the second underground level. Access will be achieved through 3 ramps with two lanes each: one on “Martyrs of Nation” boulevard, between the Palace of Congresses and the President’s Office and two others on “Lek Dukagjini” street. The ramps will be connected to an underground circulation ring, in the center of which there will be located a parking lot.

The parking lot is designed at a level of 7.75 meters underground and will have a capacity of about 170 spaces. It will also provide connection to other areas of the underground complex.

Meanwhile, at the -4 meter level, there is planned a new submerged public square, which will also serve as a distribution point for cultural and public functions. The project includes an area of ​​about 500 m² for the reception and entrance to the archaeological museum, a chapel of about 700 m² dedicated to Mother Teresa, as well as a bar-restaurant of about 340 m².

The technical documentation specifies that new functions will be developed primarily underground. This limits above-ground volume, preserving the square’s monumental character and its visual relationship with surrounding historic buildings. /e.xh/a.f/p.s./

The square, which serves as a bridge connecting the New Bazaar with the inner ring road of Tirana via “Hoxha Tahsim” and “Tefta Tashko-Koço” streets, constitutes an area of ​​great significance in the development of the capital, as a key attractive point.

Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Acting Mayor of Tirana Anuela Ristani inspected the works for implementation of the new two-storey underground parking project and rehabilitation of the facades of buildings at the “Avni Rustemi” square.

Rama said that the issue of parking will take the priority, especially in tourist areas.

The prime minister emphasized that there should be a quick financing that covers as many needs as possible, since the history of parking is becoming a big problem. And intervention is needed at main crucial spots.

Meanwhile, Rama emphasized that on the other hand, there must be established a rule on double parking.

On her part, Ristani informed that the work has been divided into two segments in order not to block traffic. Once the works on the first half are finished, we will continue with the other segment”. /m.m/j.p/p.s./

Accompanying the prime minister on this visit was Minister of Health and Social Protection Albana Koçiu. Rama said that the car park will be available for the families of hospitalized patients, but also for students, doctors and external collaborators of the center. And there will also be built a space for the landing of emergency helicopters on the terrace of the building.

“This new public work will transform the entire territory of the QSUT into a pedestrian area, and will create the conditions for its transformation into a large garden of trees, flowers and works of art”, emphasized Rama.

On her part, Health Minister Koçiu said that the construction of this multifunctional space will ease the parking concern at the QSUT, where on average over 120 thousand cars circulate during a month.

According to Koçiu, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection is working with the Albanian Development Fund to build a multi-level, multifunctional parking building that will guarantee the removal of cars from the internal roads of the QSUT, cleaning all internal surfaces and providing the opportunity for the spaces of this hospital center to be transformed into creative gardens, a healthier environment for anyone who comes to receive services there. /p.s./

On Friday, April 21, during the prayers’ time of the believers, the three parking lots in the capital will be free of charge, so that the believers can perform the ritual of prayers without any obstacles.

Thus, parking at “7 Dwarfs”, at “Skënderbej” Square and at the new Boulevard will be free of charge from 5:00 – 9:00 in the morning. This month has been a fantastic month of solidarity in Tirana during which the municipality has organized numerous social activities./p.s./

Accompanied by Minister of Culture Elva Margariti and Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro, PM Edi Rama closely inspected the works being done for building this parking lot.

Rama said that this major and long-awaited work for the quality use of the historical area is near completion.

“The large underground 300-car parking lot is an investment that gives the city a large pedestrian center, avoids traffic from the Old Bazaar, and creates a new urban oasis under “Çerçiz” square connecting the neighborhood below with the center and strengthens the monumental historical profile of the city”, said Rama.

On her part, Minister Margariti said that, “We have made good progress with the pace of works except for some small interruptions due to some findings that were documented by archaeologists and that were not ancient walls. This whole part re-qualifies the view of the whole hill of the city”.

“The whole “Çerçizi” square will turn into a kind of arena for various cultural activities and constant fairs”, Margariti emphasized, adding that this year these activities have increased a lot.

Margariti added that the bust of Çerçiz, which has been restored, will also be placed in this square.

Responding to PM Rama’s interest in the rehabilitation bonus, Minister Margariti said that, “There are 11 residents who have benefited from the rehabilitation bonus in Gjirokastra”.

Margariti said that, “We have also proceeded with restoration of the old bridges; we have connected all the elements. The Bypass together with the square is the ideal solution in the historical centers”.

While Minister Kumbaro said that, “Even the children’s cultural center will be an integral part of the historical area”.

The underground parking lot in Gjirokastra will add a new quality to the historical area./k.s/p.s./

This parking lot will facilitate traffic while the tourists to the old city will feel more comfortable as they enter the area.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today in the social media images from the work being done for the construction of the parking lot in the stone city.

“Work continues in subterranean parking lot of 300 places under “Çerçiz” Square in Gjirokastra, a strategic investment necessary to avoid traffic from the Old Bazaar area, giving a new breath to tourism in the stone city “, said Rama.

Gjirokastra is increasingly ranked in the elite cities of Albanian tourism, attracting more and more tourists. /k.s//a.a/p.s./

If someone stops the car in such a way that it becomes dangerous for pedestrians, in sidewalks on in places reserved for the disabled ignoring the signs gets a fine.

Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj posted a photo in the social media showing that despite the fact that the cars that have parked in violation of the signs are new and expensive, their owners have not been immune to the Municipal Police which seeks to discipline traffic on the streets within the city of Tirana so that to guarantee the necessary spaces for all citizens.

“Ferrari, who is the owner? To whom does Lamborghini belong? Zero tolerance from the Tirana Police! We build a city for people, not cars! The car is not a donkey that one leaves everywhere one wants, but a means of transport and the drivers have to abide by the traffic regulations”, wrote Veliaj on the social media.

The Municipal Police has also contributed to the observance of traffic norms and to keeping open the emergency lanes dedicated to fire-fighters, buses or ambulances./p.s./