Implementation of the waste management Swiss model

The issue of urban waste management continues to remain a concerning problem and a challenge for local government in Albania. This was the reason for the study visit in Switzerland that DLDP organized from August 31st to September 4th.

Participants in this visit were 15 mayors of Shkodra, Lezha, Dibra, Durrësi, Kukësi, and Berati Qarks, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission of Producing Activities, Trade and Environment, Mr. Eduard Shalsi, the Chairman of Water Regulation Entity, Mr. Avni Dervishi, as well as representatives of Urban Development Ministry, Environment Ministry, State Minister on Local Affairs, and the Department of Strategy Coordination of the Council of Ministers. In all the important meetings held in Switzerland, the delegation was accompanied by the Albanian Ambassador in Switzerland, H.E. Mr. Ilir Gjoni.

Two of the objectives of this visit were the presentation of participants and DLDP contribution in the territorial reform and the support in the waste management sector, as well as learning the Swiss experience and looking for ways to implement it in an Albanian context (especially with DLDP support).

DLDP had the opportunity to present the support packages and the proposal on the implementation of the territorial reform. The visits in municipalities like the one in Val-de-Travers, or in the composting field in Chatillon, as well as the technical explanation of the methods of processing and managing waste, helped the participant to understand the steps to take to successfully overcome the transitory situation of the implementation of the territorial reform. Apart field experiences, during this study visit were also held discussion sessions with representatives from Swiss Economy Ministry (SECO), Office for Development and Cooperation (SDC), as well as Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Headquarters. The focus in these discussions was presenting DLDP experience and the possibilities of support on waste management and other packages.