Đeljaj: A multi-million-euro investment cycle is driving the development of Tuzi, attracting investments and creating new jobs

The President of the Municipality of Tuzi, Lindon Đeljaj, told ETV Portal that the local administration is implementing and preparing a series of development projects worth approximately €3 million, focused on energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, environmental protection, improvement of municipal infrastructure, and agricultural development. Among the most significant investments are a €315,000 public lighting modernization project, a waste management project worth more than €2 million at the partnership level, and €619,500 allocated for agricultural support in 2026.

Đeljaj stated to ETV Portal that the local administration is intensively implementing development projects aimed at improving infrastructure, increasing energy efficiency, promoting sustainable mobility, protecting the environment, and providing additional support to agriculture.

- When we spoke at the beginning of the year about the development priorities of the Municipality of Tuzi, we clearly emphasized our intention to create conditions for new investments through infrastructure improvements, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, environmental protection, and support for agriculture. Today, I can say that numerous activities have already been launched or are currently being implemented - said Đeljaj.

Investments in energy efficiency

Speaking about energy efficiency projects, Đeljaj highlighted that the Municipality of Tuzi will soon implement a significant investment through the PROLIGHTMED project.

- In the field of energy efficiency, the Municipality of Tuzi will, through the PROLIGHTMED project, begin implementing an investment worth approximately €315,000, which includes replacing the existing lighting system with modern LED lighting. We expect a significant reduction in electricity consumption and maintenance costs, with estimated savings exceeding 50 percent compared to the current public lighting system - stated the President of the Municipality of Tuzi.

Sustainable mobility and public transport modernization

As he explained, special attention has been devoted to improving sustainable urban mobility and the quality of public transportation.

- Regarding sustainable urban mobility, through the CROSSMOVE project, implemented by Komunalno/Komunale LLC in cooperation with the Municipality of Tuzi, a new electric-powered vehicle for public passenger transport is being procured, which will improve both the quality and accessibility of public transportation across the municipality - said Đeljaj.

He added that the Municipality of Tuzi is preparing its first Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), which will serve as a key strategic document for future transport development.

- At the same time, the Municipality of Tuzi is, for the first time, developing a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), which will represent a strategic document for the long-term planning of traffic, public transportation, and sustainable modes of mobility - said Đeljaj.

Energy audits of public buildings

The President of the Municipality of Tuzi also referred to activities being implemented through the POSITIVE CITIES project.

- Additionally, through the POSITIVE CITIES project, which Komunalno/Komunale is implementing in partnership with the Municipality of Tuzi as an associated partner and with international partners under the South Adriatic Programme, energy audits will be conducted for ten public buildings. Based on the audit results, specific measures will be defined to reduce energy consumption and improve the energy efficiency of public buildings, contributing to more rational management of public resources - Đeljaj emphasized.

Improvement of the waste management system

Speaking about environmental protection, Đeljaj stressed the importance of the TOO WASTE project, through which the separate waste collection system is being significantly improved.

- In the field of environmental protection and waste management, through the TOO WASTE project, valued at more than €2 million at the partnership level, the separate waste collection system is being substantially upgraded. Three new specialized vehicles for waste collection and transportation have been procured, 3,000 waste bins have been distributed to households, a separate waste collection system is being introduced, and numerous educational activities are being carried out with the goal of establishing a sustainable and efficient waste management system - he said.

Continuous investments in water supply infrastructure

Đeljaj also pointed to ongoing investments in water supply infrastructure throughout the municipality.

- At the same time, water supply infrastructure is continuously being improved through the construction of new networks and the reconstruction of existing ones, thereby enhancing citizens’ living conditions almost on a daily basis and creating the prerequisites for further economic development - said the President of the Municipality of Tuzi.

Support for agriculture remains a priority

According to Đeljaj, agriculture remains one of the municipality’s most important development potentials.

- Agriculture remains one of the key development potentials of our municipality. Therefore, the Municipality of Tuzi allocates significant funds from the local budget every year (€619,500 for 2026) to support agricultural producers through subsidies, investment support, and the development of rural infrastructure, with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of domestic production and creating new development opportunities within this sector - stated Đeljaj.

BFC SEE Certificate confirms a favorable business environment

The President of the Municipality of Tuzi particularly highlighted the fact that the municipality has received international recognition for improving its business environment.

- I would especially like to emphasize that the Municipality of Tuzi has obtained the prestigious BFC SEE Certificate, an international recognition confirming that the local government creates a favorable business environment and actively works to improve conditions for investment - said Đeljaj.

Development vision focused on new investments

In conclusion, Đeljaj stated that all implemented and planned activities form part of the broader development strategy of the Municipality of Tuzi.

- All the aforementioned activities represent concrete steps toward achieving our development vision. Through investments in energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, environmental protection, municipal and water supply infrastructure, as well as support for agriculture, we are creating better living conditions for our citizens and stronger foundations for attracting new investments, creating jobs, and ensuring the sustainable economic development of the Municipality of Tuzi - concluded the President of the Municipality of Tuzi, Lindon Đeljaj.