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 In 2004, the Northern Albanian region of Kukes was the poorest area of the country. Thanks to the Kukes Regional Development initiative (KRDI), a UNDP programme funded by the European Commission, communities in the region are now benefiting from access to improved roads, irrigation channels, water supply systems, health care centres, schools and kindergartens as well as improved environmental conditions.
The initiative was based on the Kukes Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Regional Development Strategy and lasted for three years. The programme aimed to contribute to the sustainable livelihoods of the citizens of Kukes through the rehabilitation and construction of small community infrastructure projects across the region. Community participation ensured project sustainability and contributed to lasting social cohesion. The Kukes Regional Development Initiative (KRDI) was mainly funded by the European Commission (€4.63 million) and UNDP Albania (€433,000). As well as providing much-needed infrastructure, the programme facilitated the establishment of community-based organizations which led the process of identifying and implementing all development activities. 185 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) were formed with members totalling 5,122, 16 percent of whom are women. Reflecting upon this participatory process, Kreshnik Ngjeci from the town of Kukes recalled that “At the community meeting the room was full of people. As one of the priorities was the kindergarten, the number of women participating was huge”. The promotion of community participation also contributed to better social cohesion, empowering members of the local community to work jointly with the local authorities for a better future. “We have learnt that real governance lies in the community. If we stick together, then the local government will definitely support us”, said Sokol Domi, a member of the Bicaj CBO. Members of CBOs and representatives from local government and civil society enhanced their skills and knowledge, benefiting from training sessions on leadership, civic participation and management. 158 training sessions were held, benefiting over 3,660 people, of whom 25 percent were women. Trainings on participatory development planning resulted in the formulation of 21 Commune and 2 Municipal Development Plans. In addition, 650 local government staff were trained on the ongoing decentralization process. CBOs identified and supported the implementation of 75 small-scale community projects. As a result, about 81,500 inhabitants of the Kukes, Has and Tropoja districts (representing 70 percent of the total population of the Kukes Region) benefited directly from the programme. The initiative has been hailed as a positive example of cooperation between the EC, UNDP, the local authorities and project staff. Sixteen new roads were also built, spurring 85-year-old Mr. Bajram Gurra to say that “the new road system had been badly needed to take products to the market. It will make our children’s journeys to and from school both faster and safer. For this, I and the whole community are very grateful.” The programme also contributed to building 13 irrigation channels whose length totalled 31 kilometers, irrigating 1,500 hectares of agricultural land. Pellumb Hoxha from the district of Has said: “I’m very grateful to the EU and UNDP for the work they have done for the community. The new irrigation channel has allowed me to cultivate more of my land. Now that I have more goods to sell at market I can afford to save a little for my children’s future.”  As part of the KRDI, 6 bridges were constructed and a new, 7.2 km long electric grid installed.When asked about what the construction of a bridge in Zarist Commune meant to her Anita Husha said: “Before the bridge was built we had to walk for two hours to reach our school. I was often tired when I arrived and found it hard to concentrate in class. Now I have more energy in class and I’m much happier." 8 new schools and 8 kindergartens with 55 classrooms were constructed, while 17 additional schools and kindergartens with 99 classrooms were rehabilitated. 9 health centres were constructed serving a population of 10,700. 10 water supply projects with a total length of 45 km were implemented and 2 sewage systems were built with a total length of 5.8 kilometers. 2 cleaning and greening projects improved around 10,000 m2 of public areas. The Head of the European Commission Delegation to Albania Ambassador Helmuth Lohan and the UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Gulden Turkoz-Cosslett visited Kukes in October to review the impact of the Kukes Regional Development Initiative (KRDI). During the trip they received ‘Certificates of Gratitude’ from the regional council of Kukes in recognition of the contribution made to the sustainable development of the Kukes region. In addition, ambassador Lohan and Ms. Turkoz-Cosslett were awarded the 'honour of the commune' from the Mayor of Tropoje. UNDP is continuing its support to the people of Kukes through the Joint Programme ‘Youth Migration: Reaping the Benefits and Mitigating the Risks’, which supports policy coordination on youth employment and migration and extends employment and vocational training to the region’s youth. Read more success stories: |  'Renewing Hope,Rebuilding Lives: Partnership between the United Nations and the European Commission in Post-Crisis Recovery'(2008) Download the report Success Stories | ||
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