Authorities warn people looking to get the deeds of their illegally-constructed not to miss Jan. 31 registration deadline
TIRANA, Jan. 20 – Private citizens and contractors will face up to eight years in prison if they build illegally starting next month, officials said this week.
In an effort to install the rule of law, the government has been increasing penalties, including amending the criminal code to include violations such as illegal construction and electricity theft, which have plagued Albania over the past two decades.
Authorities have also urged all individuals to self-declare what they have already built illegally until the end of the month or face penalties, including demolition.
The deadline for self-declaration is Jan. 31, and authorities have sent out repeated warnings that people looking to get the deeds of their illegally-constructed homes should apply as soon as possible to become part of the process.
“Following this last warning, no one can say they didn’t get a chance to self-declare and start procedures of legalization,” said Artan Lame, a government official leading the process.
In addition to war on illegal construction, Albania has also launched more punitive measures over unpaid electricity bills by citizens.
The government has passed a new draft-law which could see citizens and other consumers lose their properties and businesses if caught by authorities for unpaid electricity bills. Those who steal electricity already face imprisonment of three to five years.
