Balluku-Roshi debate in Parliament in regard to Tirana-Durres Highway
Thursday 20 June 2019, 12:54
TiranaPost
During today's Parliamentary session, MP Artur Roshi has requested interpellation with Minister of Infrastructure Belinda Balluku. In his speech, Roshi talked about the September Tirana-Durres Highway fee, also requesting details in regard to the infrastructure projects, concessions, road maintenance costs, etc. The minister replied by initially stating that the MP was changing the subject, that these are ambitious projects for the improvement of infrastructure and Albanians should be informed.
I respect the interpellation, as it produces constructive debate. I will respectfully reply to you. The National Infrastructure Program is a priority of our work and ambition, to improve infrastructure in order to influence economic development and tourism in the country. Every government knows that an underdeveloped road network creates less than optimal conditions for the well-being and welfare of citizens. In regard to the Tirana-Durrës highway payment: Projects should be equipped with alternative routes, this is a criterion for all toll fare roads. I did not say that Tirana-Durrës highway fees will start in September, I have not spoken on television but I was on site where I was asked: How can the fees start in September, without the finalization of the project.
Roshi stated: You said that the toll fee will be settled after the alternative route is completed. This means that the investor gets money from Albanians without concluding the work. This should be decided at the end of the concession. You choose concessions with weak and un-manageable capital for the market in force.
Balluku: The toll fee will not be decided when the alternative route is finished but when the project is. All across Europe these payments exists in order to support maintenance. When roads are completed, they are completed at the cost of construction. Maintenance starts after the first year. / Tiranapost.al.
