Minister Vengu in Çuka Canal as Bistrica Embankment Reinforcement Continues

The Minister of Defence, Pirro Vengu, and the Mayor of Saranda, Oltion Çaçi, observed the ongoing emergency works to fortify the Bistrica River embankment in the Çuka canal.
Minister Vengu emphasised that the collapse of several sections of the embankment had made an emergency response necessary.
‘For the benefit of the public and residents of Saranda, Finiq and Delvina, practically the entire area affected by the Bistrica overflow, we are here at the Çuka canal, which is the largest embankment and barrier of the Bistrica.’ Minister Vengu stated, ‘We experienced significant collapses at four points during the recent flooding.’
He went on to say that the intervention is being carried out as a joint civilian-military effort, with army engineering equipment being used alongside municipal resources.
“As I mentioned, it is a joint effort to some extent, civilian–military, because we have engineering equipment to provide expertise and access to damaged river barriers or embankments, as well as to support the municipality following their request for assistance with civil emergencies,” Vengu stated.
Saranda Mayor Oltion Çaçi explained that intensive work has been ongoing for five consecutive days with the aim of reinforcing the entire embankment to prevent similar situations in future.
‘This is the fifth day that we have worked without interruption. I believe that the emergency situation will stabilise within a few days, at which point we plan to continue along the entire embankment, not only here but also up to the Gajdarevi Bridge. We will level and fully reinforce it, because, as I understand it, these heavy rains will continue and we may face similar situations in the coming years. So it’s best to anticipate this now,’ said Çaçi.
Minister Vengu also announced that the 2026 budget will include fairer redistribution of funds for civil emergencies, providing stronger support to municipalities at high risk of flooding, such as Saranda, Delvina and Finiq.
“The 2026 budget allows for a fairer redistribution of funds for civil emergencies, meaning that smaller municipalities in high-risk areas, such as Saranda, Delvina and Finiq, will receive more meaningful financial support,” said Vengu.
He emphasised the need for long-term preventive infrastructure measures in the event of emergencies, adding that cooperation between central and local institutions is essential to ensure the safety of residents.
At the end of the field visit, the minister confirmed that work would continue until the embankment was fully rehabilitated.
‘We will remain on the ground until it is fully rehabilitated,’ he said.