After carrying out the round of meetings with the residents affected by the Pocem hydropower plant, in the area of Mallakastra and Selenica, EcoAlbania organized on January 27, 2017 a joint discussion table with representatives of the local government units of the Vjosa valley, to share concerns and to create a network of cooperation in relation to the issue of the construction of hydropower plants.
The organization of this table was prompted by the concern of residents and local government units who were kept away from the consultation process during the approval phase or during the planning phase by the central government for the construction of the Pocem hydropower plant.
The presidents and the Deputy were present at the table. mayors: Përmet, Mallakastër, Selenica, as well as representatives of the Administrative Units of Sevaster and Kutë. The LGUs committed to cooperate more on this issue by taking concrete steps in the future and supporting the movement for the protection of Vjosa until the initiation of a national referendum.
Previously, the LGUs of the Vjosa valley from Çarshova to Selenica and residents of the valley signed a petition addressed to Prime Minister Edi Rama, where they requested the cancellation of all projects and plans for the construction of HPPs in the Vjosa valley and declare Vjosa a National Park. While another petition will be signed by the mayors of the whole valley, which will be sent to the Prime Minister of the country.
—
This roundtable was organized within the project “ACTIVE – Community Engagement – Indicator of Integration in Decision-Making” and is financially supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) through the Local Democracy in Action program implemented by the LëvisAlbania Center.
