Author: Aurora Shpataj
In June three years ago, the mayor Erion Veliaj promised that the Bicycle Academy would be opened, not only as an entertainment opportunity for children, but more as a continuation of the tradition of using two-wheelers. After more than 3 years, it is expected that this prediction will come true during this year, and yet at a high cost. According to experts, the academy will have an impact on the environment, but also on the monetary value.
But the fund of 73 million lek which will be used for the construction of the two-wheeler academy, according to economic expert Rezart Prifti, is negligible. Comparing with other cultural events in the municipality, the expert adds to Sinjalizo: "Do you need 73 million lek with VAT without VAT, okay let him spend 1 million euros. I don't care about the amount at all, because 73 million lek is nothing in these piles of robberies that are being done in this country. It's a Noizy concert to finish work in a weekend. "- parallels the expert.
However, the area where the next academy will be installed has been cordoned off. It used to be a park that was used by adults for their children and from the age of three to pass the time.
However, the expert Prifti is convinced that behind the name "academy" lies a deceptive trick.
"Bike Academy is an invention that is all about deceptive creativity. However, I'm giving it all to whoever invented it. Is the Bicycle Academy necessary? Yes, it should. Hell knows what it's for. Anyone who has grown up and learned to ride a bike knows very well how to learn that job. You don't need to have a category A or B bicycle license or a boat license, nothing. But for a moment let's say that we need the Bicycle Academy according to their invention. "
With questions about why "Sheshi Italia" was chosen as the location, how much was the investment (monetary value) of the park that was built in that location that has now been demolished to build the Bicycle Academy, "Sinjalizo" requested information from the Municipality of Tirana. The answer is related to the Academy's mission to teach two-wheel drive.
"The Bicycle School for the age group of 7-19 years is defined as a school of basic education oriented (a school oriented to teach the bicycle)"- is called "Signal". However, the municipality did not respond on the reasons for choosing the base where the academy will operate.
"The construction site is bordered on the north side by "Dervish Hima" street and on the east side by "Sheh Ahmed Pazari" street. While on the southern side it is bordered by the "Ambassador 3" complex and on the western side by the "Air Albania" stadium. The area of the construction site is 9977 m2"- official details are given for "Signalizo".
At this point, the priest expert is direct and has his doubts.
"There is nothing unintentional in this decision-making, all parties are rational. But the question is are they malignant rational or not malignant. It is the same phenomenon that this destruction of the green space is happening with the lake. You have noticed that there is an artificial lake in Tirana and there are old people, young people, the third age, couples running, going for a walk. But have you noticed how they do inaugurations? The children's park, benches, gyms were inaugurated, all by the lake. As soon as the word inauguration is heard, a large concrete slab is laid by the lake. The same is the case with the academy, because later it will be built there, the bicycle academy will not last long.” predicts the Priest.
We lost the park.
Drita, the mother of two boys, is still holding the cordon of the area and transforming it into another project. The reason is related to the children that the woman accompanied every time she went out into the space below the apartment.
"Oh, that was a big, terrible mistake I would say. There used to be a park here, like a field where I used to take the boys, Ron and Red, out to play. They were having a good time playing which was much better than being on the phone.” - said the resident.
The woman insists on the Albanian way of learning to ride a bicycle, that of playing and acquiring the two-wheeler with the help of adults or friends.
"It seems to me a wasted money. Roni, the eldest son who is 14 years old, has always ridden his bike here, so it was not necessary to tear it down to rebuild another academyDrita, the mother of two sons, one 14 and the other 10 years old, finishes telling.
But, the expert insists that even the Bicycle Academy will not last long, not because of the lack of followers, but because of the behind-the-scenes and replacement with other plans.
"It has been the standard of malice here in Tirana that properties are taken and degraded for some time, since they are triggered by the part that our society has a very short memory and degrades. And then this savior of the property comes out, making it commercial."- says the Priest.
To illustrate this charge, the Priest recalls the green spaces that are always in the minority, making the capital unlivable.
"Especially these recent times that it has become a life massacre. It was not done from the urban side, but from the life side, it is a genocide that was done in Tirana. When I say genocide, it is a problem that such decision-making does not change for 100 years, there is nothing you can do, and in this sense, should that green space be destroyed. I think not. "
However, the points of view for and against the Academy, where the main promoter is the municipality, for the ideational institution are considered "secret" information about the amount of the fund for the construction of the park that has already been demolished.
"The investment of the park built at the current location of the Bicycle Academy has not been followed by the Directorate of Public Works Investments.”- is the answer of the Municipality.
In the documents that "Sinjalizo" has, it is clear that the start of the works according to the minutes kept by the supervisor and the contractor of the works is the date 10.01.2023. However, the final deadline is the time within 10 months of this year, which is calculated to be in the month of November. The sources clarify that the fund is calculated at 73 million.
"With 73 million ALL, I would not build anything. I have another principle, historically Albania has invested in mortar and bricks, if you have noticed the urban renaissance came out in the cities of the country and made squares, facades with 4-5 million lek. So once these cities had people, now these cities have no people at all, but these cities have concrete now and they have everything from a big promenade there that costs zero lek. "- the expert concludes his comment.
This article was created based on input provided by individuals who have chosen to speak up. Share your story, empower others and be an agent for change. Visit the website: www.acqj.al/sinjalizo-dhe-ti/
