Denada Jushi
Only 87 kilometers from the capital, Shkodra can be reached in 90 minutes with normal traffic, but it seems so far away, not because of geography, but because of the oblivion that all governments have devoted to the cradle of culture in our country.
Starting from the roads, to reach Shkodra you have to go through the traffic ordeal of Kashari, then the Milot-Lezhë axis, and if you are unlucky, the construction site at the entrance to the city, which has started restoring the road since the beginning of the year and it is not known when it will be ready, will cost you even more time.
One of the most beautiful areas of Shkodra is undoubtedly Shiroka, but to get there, the road seems to be stuck in the last century.
This city is home to one of the most beautiful theaters in Albania, but the heating system has not yet been put into operation, there is a lack of investment in dressing rooms, not to mention the salaries of the actors and technical staff.
Rozafa Castle is almost abandoned, the only ones who don't give up are the foreigners who visit it.
Shkodra, in terms of relief and geography, is probably the richest place in the country: it has history, culture, a castle, sea, lake, river, cuisine, but no investments.
INSTAT has ranked the region with the least investment and the lowest economic growth in 2023.
This city had the weakest growth, only 1.3%. Compared to cities where investments have been concentrated, such as Vlora or Durrës, Shkodra has not received even 1/5 of these investments.
Overall, the northern region grew by 3.05% in 2023, while Shkodra had the lowest growth, unlike Lezha, which appears to have benefited from government investments.
The factors that have contributed to this economic slowdown are the lack of economic diversification and large private and public investments.
The economy has continued to remain focused on traditional sectors, such as agriculture, trade, and basic Services, which in most cases serve as a means of survival, but not as development.
Emigration is a phenomenon that has been affecting this area for years. The departure of young people and a skilled workforce is also putting the remaining businesses in difficulty.
The transport infrastructure and limited road connections with other economic areas of the country have penalized it in relation to trade and tourist flows.
In the budget approved by the Municipality for 2025, or even in the one foreseen for 2026, ironically, approximately 44% of it goes only to paying the administration. The budget stipulates that the total personnel expenses for 2026 are planned at 1,269,627 thousand lekë and account for 43.9% of the expenses.
Approximately 11% of expenses for various purchases and furnishings, from offices to other equipment, have also been calculated, but there is no clear picture of investments in key sectors that help a city's economy.
Tourism remains the only path to recovery, but even though it has great potential, with the lack of attention and local, but above all central, investment, this sector has not yet managed to create a sustainable impact on the city's economic growth.
Although it was promised that the socialists' takeover of this municipality would bring changes to the city, for Shkodra, oblivion belongs to both political sides../acqj.al
