TIRANA – The much-discussed billion-dollar investments in Sazan and Zvërnec have been the focus of public attention recently. Yesterday, Prime Minister Edi Rama revealed all the behind-the-scenes details of these gigantic projects, revealing the real reasons why work on the ground has not yet started and where the construction permit hurdle is leading.
The willingness of foreign investors has been high, but legal procedures and property status seem to have created complications that are taking time.
Why is there no construction permit yet?
According to the statements of the head of government, the projects are still in the technical and environmental assessment phase. Rama has emphasized that no step will be taken without ensuring that the investments are in full compliance with international standards.
“It’s not just about granting a permit and bringing in the excavators. Sazani and Zvërnec are national assets and every project must pass through the strictest legal sieve,” the prime minister is reported to have said.
Key points holding up the projects:
Lawsuits and Ownership Claims: There have been a number of legal clashes regarding boundaries and ownership rights in the coastal areas where the investments are expected to be located.
Environmental Assessment (EIA): Given that Zvërnec and Sazani hold protected area status and special ecological importance, environmental impact analyses are taking longer than expected.
Contract Details: Negotiations on the percentage that the Albanian state will earn from these luxury resorts are still under discussion.
What is going on behind the scenes with the trials?
Another hot spot that was clarified was the truth of the legal proceedings. Rumors of a complete blockage of projects by the courts were dismissed, describing them as normal verification procedures. The government insists that these trials will not cancel the investments, but are simply clearing the legal ground before the first concrete is poured.
This clarification comes at a time when public and media interest in the fate of Sazan and Zvërnec is at its peak, while the coming months are expected to bring final decisions on whether or not the green light will be given for construction.