Efforts to Overcome Flooding Challenges in Durres

During the last days of January, heavy rainfall caused significant problems in several areas of the city of Durres, putting water and sewage management structures to the test. Faced with this emergency situation, the Durres Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company (Durres RWSS Company) reacted immediately by mobilizing working groups to normalize the situation and minimize damage.

Despite the extremely difficult conditions, Durres RWSS Company employees were dedicated to addressing the most problematic areas of the city. In particular, the sewage sector worked regularly to maintain and clean the wastewater sewers and their manholes, ensuring that the system operated at maximum capacity. To cope with the extraordinary water flows, all pumping stations were kept in full operation, even exceeding their permitted capacity, in order to minimize possible overflows and blockages.

In addition to the measures taken by the Durres RWSS Company, cooperation was also ensured with the subcontractor company, who was engaged with specialized machinery to clean the city’s main and secondary wastewater collectors. These services, which were successfully implemented during 2024, will continue in 2025, ensuring better management of the sewage system in the future.

To address the long-term issues caused by rainfall and wastewater, an investment has been planned in neighborhood no. 17, “Dalip Peza” Street, as well as in the city’s informal areas. This project, led by the Albanian Government, represented by the National Agency of Water Supply and Sewerage (AKUK), in cooperation with the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to provide a sustainable and effective solution for water management in these problematic areas, improving safety and the quality of life for residents.

Beyond the measures taken by the responsible institutions, a key factor in preventing floods is also the engagement of citizens. Disposing of waste in sewers and watersheds is one of the main causes of sewer blockages, worsening the impact of heavy rainfall. Therefore, the Durres RWSS Company urges citizens to avoid this harmful practice and contribute to keeping the sewer system clean for a safer and more sustainable environment.

The tireless work of the Durres RWSS Company teams, along with their collaboration with relevant institutions, demonstrates that efficient management and a swift response to emergencies can significantly reduce the consequences of natural disasters, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for the citizens of Durres.