Responding to concerns expressed on social media about works in the Shkumbin River bed, Karakaçi said the works were being carried out in line with the approved project design and stressed that the embankment in the area was temporary.

“River protection works are one of the most important components of the Elbasan–Qafë Thanë road expansion project and are being carried out for the first time along this section,” the minister said.

Karakaçi noted that around six months ago, while the project was being developed, a major landslide disrupted construction progress and vehicle traffic. According to assessments by specialists on site, one of the factors contributing to the situation was severe erosion, partly caused by the lack of river protection measures.

Karakaçi said a protective system of piles and a concrete wall is being built along the Elbasan–Qafë Thanë road section, with the road raised around 18 metres above the river’s current level. He explained that a temporary embankment had been constructed to ensure safe working conditions and would be removed once construction was complete, as it does not reflect the Shkumbin River’s final configuration.

Karakaçi said the temporary works, interventions in the project, are intended to protect the road and riverbed, ensure infrastructure safety and maintain the normal flow of the Shkumbin River.

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