TIRANA, Dec. 22 – Switzerland will provide funding for the feasibility study to rehabilitate the dams at the hydropower plants in the northern Drini River which produce the bulk of Albania’s electricity.
Swiss ambassador Yvana Enzler and Albanian Energy Minister Genc Ruli signed the one million euro deal last week for the feasibility study of the dams at the Drini and Mat rivers, which will also increase their general security to the required European levels.
Following the feasibility study the dams will be rehabilitated with funding from the Albanian Electro-Energy Corporation, or KESH, and foreign donors.
That project will also improve the safety for some 300,000 people living in the areas under the dams.
Switzerland has been an ongoing supporter during Albania’s post-communist development, assisting with projects such as the mechanical equipment of the Fierza hydropower plant, rehabilitation of the Drini River cascade, power substation for Durres and many other projects in the energy industry.
Switzerland has also assisted with funding for the decentralization process and for local authorities, the private sector and social infrastructure, and gender issues.
Earlier this month, Switzerland signed two agreements as part of the United Nations’ One UN program to contribute to its 850,000 euro funding.
