Civil Emergencies, Minister Vengu calls on mayors: Use the conditional fund, submit your projects

Published: Tuesday, 08 October 2024 15:15

 

Defense Minister Pirro Vengu joined Prime Minister Edi Rama and other officials in a meeting with mayors to discuss community-focused initiatives, including civil emergencies and social aid.

Minister Vengu reported on the wildfire season from June to September, noting over 1,000 fires were extinguished, fortunately without any fatalities, though rural areas suffered significant damage. He emphasized the need for mayors to use the remaining 60% of the 800 million Lek civil protection fund to compensate affected citizens.

He also highlighted the importance of advancing infrastructure projects to prevent natural disasters, with 1.57 billion Lek allocated, though 14 projects remain pending. Additionally, he called attention to dam projects, where 1.8 billion Lek had been set aside, with 8 projects in the contract phase and 6 more nearing completion.

Minister Vengu urged local leaders to submit new or existing projects for funding, which will be reviewed and prioritized for inclusion in the 2025 budget. “This will allow you to begin work as early as December and prepare efficiently for the next season,” he concluded.