Tirana Sees 12.8% Rise in Construction Projects Amid Criticism from Democratic Party

The city of Tirana, Albania, has experienced a 12.8% increase in construction projects in 2023, a development that has drawn significant criticism from the Democratic Party. The party has raised concerns over the rapid growth, citing issues related to safety and corruption.

Marinela Ziu, head of the Anti-Corruption Department in the Democratic Party, highlighted the approval of 1,602 construction permits for new buildings by the Municipality of Tirana in 2023. Ziu accused the municipality of being deeply involved in money laundering and corruption through these construction projects.

Why this matters: The rapid growth of construction projects in Tirana has significant implications for the city's infrastructure, economy, and citizen safety. If left unchecked, corruption and lack of regulation could lead to further accidents, environmental degradation, and social unrest.

"The capital's municipality is the biggest launderer of money laundering of corruption and organized crime in construction," Ziu stated. She referenced a report by the Global Initiative against Cross-Border Organized Crime, which claims that about 60% of construction companies in Tirana do not justify their financial resources.

Engineer Azmer Dulević also voiced concerns about workplace safety in the construction sector. He pointed out that the lack of state control and inspection has led to the loss of workers' lives, with five fatalities reported in workplace accidents this month alone.

The Democratic Party has accused the Municipality of Tirana of facilitating corruption and organized crime in the construction industry. The party claims that the municipality has issued 3.2 million square meters of construction permits over the past two years, which accounts for 67% of all permits issued in Albania.

The party also criticized the Parliament for passing a law that allows the privatization of state properties. They argue that this legislation will lead to further corruption and clientelism within the construction sector.

With 168 workers having suffered accidents at the workplace in 2023, resulting in 30 fatalities, the Democratic Party's concerns about safety and regulation appear well-founded. The Public Health and Safety Institute of Albania (PHISO) recorded 218 cases of workplace accidents this year.

The increase in construction projects in Tirana has not only raised questions about safety and corruption but also about the transparency and accountability of the municipality's actions. The debate's ongoing nature highlights the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the construction sector becomes increasingly apparent.

Key Takeaways

• Tirana, Albania sees 12.8% increase in construction projects in 2023.
• Democratic Party raises concerns over safety and corruption in construction.
• 60% of Tirana's construction companies lack financial transparency.
• 5 workers died in construction accidents in Tirana this month alone.
• Democratic Party accuses Municipality of Tirana of facilitating corruption.