Ministry of Defence - Republic of Albania

11/02/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Defense Minister Pirro Vengu meets with mayors of Vlora and Gjirokastra to discuss Civil Defense projects

Defense Minister Pirro Vengu meets with mayors of Vlora and Gjirokastra to discuss Civil Defense projects


Published: Saturday, 02 November 2024 14:51

Defense Minister Mr. Pirro Vengu met with representatives from the municipalities in the Vlora and Gjirokastra regions to discuss the recent call for Civil Defense project proposals from all local government units.

Accompanied by the Deputy Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Mr. Bledar Çuçi, and the Director General of the National Civil Defense Agency (AKMC), Mr. Haki Çako, Minister Vengu held discussions with Vlora's Prefect, Kristaq Kiço, Mayor Ermal Dredha, and leaders from six other municipalities about the civil emergency issues affecting these areas.

Minister Vengu assured the full commitment of the Armed Forces in emergency situations and stressed the need for improved coordination with local authorities. He noted that Vlora, as one of the regions most affected by natural disasters, requires significant investments in infrastructure, equipment, and Bailey bridges. He urged the leaders of Vlora, Finiq, Konispol, Delvinë, Sarandë, Himarë, and Selenicë municipalities to prioritize critical civil emergency projects to seize the available funding opportunities, which translate into essential safety investments for local residents. "We will review the criteria for the conditional fund, considering not only local residents but also the influx of tourists during the season in municipalities like Vlora, Himara, and Saranda. This is relevant for waste management as well as for emergencies," stated Minister Vengu.

Deputy Speaker Bledar Çuçi also encouraged local leaders to submit their investment project proposals for 2025 as soon as possible, leveraging the increased attention on the Vlora region.

Later, Minister Vengu, joined by Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro and Prefect Odise Kote, continued to Gjirokastra, where they discussed these issues with the mayors of Gjirokastër, Këlcyrë, Përmet, Tepelenë, Memaliaj, Dropull, and Libohovë.

During this meeting, local leaders highlighted the challenges and needs specific to their municipalities, and project ideas were shared for submission by the November 25 deadline.