160 million lek for the Tamara-Vukël road, residents: The mountain is falling on our heads

The 9-kilometer segment, financed by the Albanian Development Fund, was intended to improve access for residents of the area. But just months after the work was completed, residents and drivers say they face the daily risk of falling rocks and landslides.

During the observation of Fiks Fare, several areas were found where large rocks stood unstable on the road, while the entire axis lacked warning signs about the danger.

Residents: "This road is endangering our lives"

Residents say that the problems started after roadworks and that about two months ago a large rock mass collapsed onto the road, fortunately without causing any casualties.

According to them, falling rocks have become a daily phenomenon, especially during the winter, when the road often becomes impassable. They say they have repeatedly denounced the situation, but responsibility is passed from one institution to another.

"They told us they would build us a better road, but today we are afraid to cross. If there had been a convoy of cars when that massive landslide fell, the consequences would have been severe,"  says one of the residents.

They add that they have not seen any work on the ground for about a year and that there is a lack of any safety measures for drivers.

Municipality: The road has not yet been handed over for final delivery

After Fiks Fare's interest, the Malësi e Madhe Municipality explained that the investment was made by the Albanian Development Fund and that it was a "white road", where the contract did not foresee asphalt paving, but the widening of the road, the construction of works of art and the arrangement of the slopes.

According to the municipality, during the last inspection, problems with falling stones and the stabilization of the slopes were identified, so the facility has not yet been handed over for final delivery.

Officials emphasize that the contractor has a three-year warranty and is obligated to intervene for any defects found during this period.

ADF: The works have been completed and approved

The Albanian Development Fund also confirmed to Fiks Fare that the works have been completed and approved, while the facility is in the process of temporary handover to the Malësi e Madhe Municipality.

On the other hand, the supervisory company "Infra Konsalting" stated that the works were carried out according to the project and contract, but did not rule out the possibility that, following rainfall and changes in the terrain, some areas may need additional protective measures.

Meanwhile, the implementing company "Vëllezërit Hysa" stated that it has completed all the works foreseen in the contract, and, according to it, even more than was requested.

However, despite the institutional responses, the reality that Fiks Fare has identified on the ground remains worrying. On an axis that connects several villages in Malësia e Madhe, residents continue to travel every day under the risk of falling rocks, while expecting public investment to guarantee not only a passable road, but above all a safe road./TCH