Albania, Czech Republic to cooperate on urban development, housing

Albanian Minister of Urban Development Eglantina Gjermeni and her Czech counterpart Karla Slechtova on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding between the two ministries in the field of urban development and housing, the Albanian Telegraphic Agency reported.

After the signing ceremony, Gjermeni thanked Slechtova for the support the Czech Republic has provided to Albania in the European Union accession process.

"The support of Visegrad countries, and of Czech Republic in particular which holds the rotating presidency, enabled the establishment of the Western Balkans Investment Fund in Tirana. The Ministry of Urban Development has applied with this investment fund for implementation of a project in the field of social housing," stated Gjermeni.

For her part, Slechtova appreciated the work by the Albanian Ministry of Urban Development in the field of planning and housing in Albania. She pledged increased assistance through provision of expertise.

The staff will immediately start working on an agenda of activities to implement the memorandum. The project comprises construction of social housing in municipalities of the country such as Tirana, Kavaja, Kruja, Shkozet and Durres.

This project will provide housing to as many as 1,000 families in need. The Albanian Ministry of Urban Development is working with the Council of Europe Development Bank to ensure co-financing for implementation of this project. Endit