Department of Strategy and Donor Coordination

3.1 Infrastructure
Infrastructure remains one of the key priorities of the Albanian Government, demonstrated through the
continuing influx of investments and start of new infrastructure projects in 2008.
During the period 2005–2009, road projects of national importance were designed and considerable investment
funds were allocated for the National and Regional road network, encouraging the development of regions and
creating favourable conditions for balanced development in the country. Funds made available to support
road infrastructure development compared to previous periods testify that this constitutes a priority to the
Albanian Government. In 2005–2009, roughly two billion USD were invested in roads, and in 2009 alone
investments rose seven-fold against those made in 2005.
Energy policies implemented in 2008 brought progress in the reformation of the whole sector and opened a
private sector; electricity generation capacity grew and projects for connection to regional energy networks
were conceived. KESH performance improved through reorganisation from a vertically integrated company
into three function-based divisions. Privatisation of the Distribution System Operator to Czech company CEZ
in 2009 was successfully concluded.
Reform of the water supply and the sewerage system is undergoing thorough restructuring, through
decentralisation and commercialisation of these services. A legal initiative for transfer of water supply
responsibilities to local authorities, revision of the law on water reserves and government policy on good
management of water resources in general are part of a sector programme and strategy within the framework of
integrated water resource management and basic requirements of the Water Framework Directive. In addition,
a Sample Performance Agreement Template is being developed aimed at progressive reduction of state subsidy
to the operation and maintenance of water supply and sewerage.
In the area of solid waste, work is proceeding smoothly to upgrade solid waste management infrastructure in
the whole territory through investments in new landfills that will ensure solid waste treatment in line with the
Albanian and European legislations and closure of existing landfills to guarantee environment and human
health. Focus remains on improving the legislation on solid waste management and its transposition to EC
directives. Controlled sanitary treatment of urban solid waste remains a long-term challenge through the
construction of twelve regional landfills before 2020, as envisaged by the National Strategy for Environment.
3.1.1 Transport
Indicator: Number of kilometres of national roads constructed
Road infrastructure has improved remarkably during the past four years, and particularly so in 2008. Major
investments were, and are being, made in various road segments, from North to South and from East to West,
bringing an evident and tangible change for Albanians and bringing Albania closer to countries with European
infrastructure standards. Upgrading of road infrastructure was a priority policy of public investments in 2008,
with the aim to integrate the national road network into the European transport network. Figure 8 shows the
doubling in the number of kilometres of national roads this year, characterised by high-standard roads with
two lane dual carriageways, tunnels and top quality engineering works.
26
| Department of Strategy and Donor Coordination