The works are part of 8 million euro EU project dedicated to rural infrastructure. The EU has also allocated another 9 million euros of assistance in the same sector, starting in the near future.
TIRANA, April 15U officials in Tirana have kicked off a rural roads project financed by the European Union in the Durres District. The Xhafezotaj – Bregdet road is 10.7 kilometers long and the budget available for reconstruction work is 2.3 million euros, according to a press release of the EU office in Tirana.
The works are expected to be completed by the end of February 2011. The works for reconstruction of this road section as well works of three other road sections in Gjirokastra, Lezha and Shkodra districts, totaling 30.7 km, are part of 8 million euro EU project dedicated to rural infrastructure. Furthermore, the EU has allocated another 9 million euros in assistance in the same sector to start in the near future.
The European Union officials say the bloc continues its commitment to the development of rural areas in Albania by assisting in the rehabilitation of road infrastructure.
During the kick-off ceremony, the Head of Operations Section of the EU Delegation to Albania, Luigi Brusa, emphasized the importance of this small road for the inhabitants of the area, saying that “a small road like this means easier reach of customers and access to a larger market, access to education, access to healthcare, access to other public services, more tourists, and of course facilitation of social interaction and entertainment activities. A small road like this is the enemy of isolation and a key instrument for social and economic cohesion”.
Brusa also noted that government commitment to allocate human and financial resources for the maintenance of the rehabilitated infrastructure is necessary if these investments are to have a lasting impact on rural development.
