Tirana municipality approves new budget, regulatory plan

TIRANA, Dec. 26 – With only the votes of the right-wing councilors and their allies, Tirana’s municipal council has approved the 2013 budget, worth USD 80 million, and its new urban regulatory plan after two decades. The municipal council unanimously voted a 30 percent cut in local government taxes on florists and bookshops. A new tax was imposed on mobile companies which will have to pay 2 million lek annually for the antennae placed on apartment block roofs.
The Municipality of Tirana has approved a USD 240 million budget for the next three years, when investments in infrastructure, support to businesses and employment will be the key priorities. Introducing the draft budget, Tirana Mayor Lulzim Basha said the 2013-2015 mid-term budget is worth USD 240 million of which USD 80 million will be spent only in 2013.
A special grant has also been envisaged to support the opening of new businesses for young people aged until 35.
The 2013-2015 mid-term budget foresees the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 73 km of roads in apartment blocks, the construction of 128,250 m2 of green areas and recreational facilities, ten new sports facilities, 10,000 m2 in parking space, a sewerage collection system of 3.5 km, the planting of 25,000 trees, lighting, and the extension of public graveyard space by 2 hectares.
After 23 years, Tirana also has its new urban regulatory plan. The municipality says the urban plan will guarantee sustainable development for a modern European capital although chaotic developments for the past 20 years have already left their irreparable mark. Compiled after Lulzim Basha took over as Tirana Mayor, the new urban plan extends in two municipalities and 6 communes, envisaging seven development poles for Tirana.
Development poles are expected to be established with the extension of the current boulevard, at the hospital area, the Student campus, in the South-West area, the Aviation field, and the Kombinat and Kamza suburban areas.
Speaking to journalists this week, opposition leader and former Tirana Mayor Edi Rama described the new urban development plan as “catastrophic and damaging Tirana’s future.”