The Minister of State for Reconstruction Arben Ahmetaj and Swiss Ambassador Adrian Maître signed today an agreement for a 1.3 million Euro grant to rebuild houses in areas affected by the earthquake of 26 November 2019.
“Switzerland stands alongside Albania after the earthquake of 26 November 2019. The Swiss government pledged over 10 million Swiss francs – over 9 million Euros – to aid Albania’s efforts for reconstruction. As part of this pledge, today’s agreement, will make possible rehabilitation and improvement of housing conditions for about 560 families. At the end of this project, I hope the lives of many people will have returned to normal, or even improved!”, said Swiss Ambassador Adrian Maître at the signing.
“Allow me to express on behalf of the Albanian government and people the gratitude for the important support that the Government of Switzerland gave to our country immediately after the earthquake of 26 November last year. I thank the Ambassador, his government and the people of Switzerland who once again stood beside us, the Albanian people and the families affected by the earthquake through this generous contribution that amounts to 9 million Euro with its first part of 1.3 million Euro”, said the Minister of State for Reconstruction Arben Ahmetaj.
The new agreement enables the disbursement of 1.3 million Euros from the Swiss government that will be shared between the municipalities of Shijak and Kurbin. Based on the Albanian government’s plan of action the money will be used by families directly to carry out rennovation works facilitated by the Minister of State and the municipal administrations.
Under supervision from the Embassy of Switzerland and the Minister of State for Reconstruction, the project signed today is scheduled to be completed within six months – by the end of December 2020. About 560 families will benefit by renovating their damaged houses.
Switzerland pledged over 9 million Euro for specific support actions during the donor conference of 17 February 2020 where international assistance to Albania was disccussed in the aftermath of the earthquake.
