Tirana 140km. Pogradec Municipality. Kapshtice 73km

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1 1. Introduction SWOT analysis, or assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to a municipality is a basic, straightforward model that provides direction and serves as a basis for the preparation of a relevant urban development strategy and municipality development urban plan. A municipality level SWOT analysis has been prepared in this document based on an assessment of the status of various sectors of the municipality through assemblement of different reports and information provided by public and private institutions, and direct contacts in the city. SWOT analysis provides information that matches the municipality s resources and capabilities to the physical, social, economic and political environment in which it operates. It should be viewed as a dynamic part of the management, planning and development process. It involves the portrayal of information about internal and external factors that have or may have an impact on the evolution of the municipality. Once this is completed, SWOT analysis determines if the information indicates something that will assist the municipality decision-makers in accomplishing their objectives (a strength or opportunity), or if it indicates an obstacle that must be overcome or minimized to achieve desired results (weakness or threat) in the urban development of the municipality.

2 2. Geography Pogradec lies in the south-eastern part of Albania, along the shores of Lake Ohrid, the deepest in the Balkans. It is located on the southeastern of Albania at the border with Macedonia, 140km from the capital city of Tirana. Pogradec is situated 720 meters above the sea level and it is located at 40 54'9" North, and 20 39'9" East. Together with Korce, Kolonje and Devoll are part of the Korce County. Pogradec District is composed of 7 communes and 74 villages having a total population of around 91,802 in Figure 1. Geographical Location of Pogradec Rinas 157km Tirana 140km Elbasan 86km Durres 168km Librazhd 62km Hani Hotit 286km Perrenjas 24km Shkoder 251km Pogradec Municipality Qafe- Thane 20km Muriqan 262km Tushemish 5km Vlore 210km Sarande 286km Kapshtice 73km Korce 41km The city is surrounded by mountains and hills on the southern and western side, and the lake is in the eastern and northern side of the city. From an administrative and territorial perspective, Pogradec has a total area of the district of 725 km², and is bordered by Korce District in South and Southeast, Gramsh District in West and Librazhd District in Northwest. The district of Pogradec is composed of: - Hollow of Pogradec, which include the city and the villages at the margin of lake until the beginning of the hills, having a 6km length and 3km width. - The Mokra region, which is divided between the Upper and Lower Mokra. - The antemountain region at the foot of Thate Mountain and partly the region of Gore. 2

3 3. Climate Referring to the Albanian climatic division, this zone takes part on the hilly Mediterranean zone, which is characterized by cold winters and fresh summer. The annual mean of air temperature vary from 7.5 C to 12 C, while the maximum absolute registered is 39.6 C (July) and the minimum absolute one C (January). The annual precipitation mean vary from 600 to 890mm. Given the existence of topographic variation, as mountain reliefs, the lake and the valleys, there are diverse microclimates as well, including alpine. The driest month is July and the wettest months are November and December. The micro-climates immediately around the city are very favorable for farming, and thus development of local agribusinesses is seen as very important for the city s economic development. In the altitude of more that m it is an alpine climate with the cold winter and warm summer. Few snowfalls are registered in the winter period, and the rest is more rainfall during the autumn and spring. 4. History Pogradec important and favorable position in the region is supported by early historical sources, which indicate presence in the area mainly due to Lake Ohrid location. According to the history, the shores of the lake were inhabited as early as BC. The Illyrian tribe of the Enkelei inhabited the areas near Pogradec. Drilon, the name of the river that flows into the lake near Tushemisht, is mentioned in early texts of antiquity. The hill overlooking Pogradec is the site of old castle ruins dating back to 5th century. On the top of the hill overlooking Pogradec there is an ancient Illyrian fortress believed to have been known as Encheleana. In the Middle Ages this fortress was reconstructed and the place was renamed by the Bulgarians, who invaded Southeastern Albania at this time. The name of Pogradec comes from them Pod Grad The place beneath the fortress. During the 18th century under Turkish occupation, the town became an administrative centre, but was largely destroyed during the World War I and World War II; however a number of characteristic houses have been preserved as cultural monuments. One of the first Albanian language schools was started in Pogradec. The town was a favorite summer escape for many communist government officials. After communism collapsed, the once popular lakeside resort town went into a state of decay and disrepair, with minimal investment undertaken. The urban development that took place was generally chaotic and unappealing. However, private investors and government, interested in bringing Pogradec to its' former glory, have begun pouring in money to the town. Hotels are being built or renovated and refurbished, and infrastructure is improving throughout. Lake Ohrid and its surrounding area was in 1980 declared by UNESCO as a place of worldwide natural and cultural heritage. 3

4 5. Physical infrastructure and social services Pogradec s geographical position is a key for the city. Historically Pogradec has connected the central, eastern and southeastern regions of Albania. One important communication arteries pass through Pogradec - the highway linking Tirana, Elbasan, and Korce, and one railroad line linking Tirana and Pogradec. Figure 2. Corridor VIII East West Corridor presentation These arteries along with the already finished Qafe Plloç Korçë road and projects in process: reconstruction of Qafë Thanë - Lin Pogradec road, new road of Qukes Qafe Plloç (37km), and plans for linking railroad connect between Lin (Pogradec) border Struga (Macedonia) reinforce Pogradec position as a transportation hub linking Albania with Macedonia and Greece. The demographic changes that occurred in Pogradec during the period of transition increased the need for physical infrastructure. It also placed greater pressure on the Municipality to fulfill needs for economic, social, and cultural services, services that are the exclusive responsibility of local government. The changes of the last 18 years have disrupted whatever equilibrium might have once existed between public services and 4

5 citizen needs, affecting the standard of living for the residents of Pogradec. While the level of urbanization has increased, the overall quality of urban life has fallen 1. Urban growth and sprawl have also increased the need for public transportation in Pogradec. According to the data provided by the District Police Directory, the number of total vehicles in Pogradec in 2008 was 2,685, a 2% increase from 2,629 vehicles registered in A public transportation system doesn t operate in the city of Pogradec, but private operators are connecting the city with surrounding villages and other cities. The challenge of improving the service is actual. There is an increasing trend on the use of individual vehicles, constituting the largest part of the city vehicles fleet (more than 75% of the total number of vehicles). The city cleaning service covers 100% of population and is contracted out by the Municipality. The quality of the service is somehow satisfactory and Pogradec city is considered as a clean city. The quality of this service is a strong supporting factor for internal marketing and opportunity for development of a good touristic product of the city. According to a survey conducted by Me, Women organization in April-May , 60.5% of the respondents declared that were satisfied with the cleaning service, a 10.5% increase from 2007 evaluation. According to another question regarding the cleaning of the roads, 52.5% of the respondents are happy, a better evaluation from 43% registered in Railroad system. Pogradec is the last station of Tiranë-Durrës-Elbasan-Librazhd- Pogradec railroad network. The railroad system has deteriorated significantly and is now at a minimal level. The railroad station is in very poor condition with broken equipment and poorly utilized system. Inter-city passenger train travel is extremely limited due to uncomfortable accommodations and reduced schedules. 6. Water and Sewage Services Switzerland and German bank KfW have financed the modernization of the water supply system and build a new sewage treatment plant in Pogradec and its suburbs, which can now enjoy clean water around the clock - where before this was only possible less than ten hours a day. Pogradec is now one of the cities of Albania where homes and businesses are furnished with water 24 hours per day, even on summer. The interventions are part of the environmental protection programme Lake Ohrid - Water Supply and Sewage Disposal in Pogradec" which aims to reduce the discharge of sewage into lake Ohrid, making a substantial contribution to reducing environmental pollution and to maintaining the water quality of Lake Ohrid. 1 Migration in Albania, Research Publication, INSTAT Me, Women organization is a local NGO which has conducted a survey on a total representative sample of 200 citizens interviewed in Pogradec on April May 2009 to assess the perception of citizens on municipality performance. The survey is repeated after a two year period from April-May 2007 when the new mayor come to power. 5

6 Electricity. The electricity situation in Pogradec is similar to that throughout Albania, marked by considerable improvement in the last two years. Electricity is provided to users almost all time. Telephone. Several land-line and mobile telephone companies operate in Pogradec. Land-line services are provided by the state telephone company, Alb Telecom, with a network of 4,420 numbers in 2006, a 27.% increase from 3,468 numbers in Service quality has improved thanks to the new technology of Alb Telecom Company Pogradec. Inter-city connections are provided through fiber optic cables, which ensure high quality and the possibility of other services such as internet, ISDN, etc. Cleaning and trash collection. On average, 52.2 tons of trash are generated each day in Pogradec, for a yearly total of 19,062 tons in 2008, a 18% increase from 16,150 tons in This calculates to 0.56kg per resident per day. A new landfill is planned to be opened in Maliq, which will serve the all county, decisively contributing in the improvement of the situation of garbage collection and treatment in Pogradec. According to a survey conducted by IDRA in April 2008 the quality of life in Pogradec is very good or good for 72% of the interviewed citizens, ranked second after the highest rating of 79% found in Lezhë, among respondents from 10 analyzed municipalities 3. According to the survey the most problems in the city of Pogradec are unemployment with 45.75%, economic problems with 20.25%, weak infrastructure with 8.5%, poverty/social services with 7.5% and environmental problems with 5%. According to the IDRA survey 97% of the respondents in the city of Pogradec are satisfied with the drinking water supply service ranking third among ten municipalities according to the satisfaction rate. 57.5% of respondents answered Very satisfied or Satisfied regarding the maintenance of roads within city boundaries. Regarding the sewage service, the citizens of Pogradec are 52.3% satisfied, while 81% are satisfied with street lighting, ranking Pogradec as the second highest satisfaction rate for this category. For the cleaning service (garbage collection and disposal, street cleaning, etc.) 56.8% of respondents in Pogradec are expressing satisfaction. Tourism, and construction are mentioned as the most promising sectors for city economic growth in Pogradec. Most of the citizens in Pogradec think that the economy is either stagnant or is declining. When asked about their living standards compared to 12 months ago, the majority of respondents in each city maintained that it has either stayed the same or has worsened. 3 Institute for Development Research and Alternatives (IDRA) has conducted a Local Government Survey on April 2008 on a total random representative sample of 4,774 Albanian citizens interviewed in 10 cities (municipalities): Kukës, Shkodër, Lezhë, Fushë Krujë, Gramsh, Librazhd, Korçë, Pogradec, Fier, and Himarë. For more information: 6

7 7. Demography and urbanization One of the major urban areas in Albania, Pogradec has undergone important transformations over the last decade. The growth of the city is evident, as are a number of issues and challenges that influence current conditions and the city s future development. With the overall political and economic changes that occurred in the country in 1990 came a period of dramatic growth in Pogradec, connected with the process of urbanization, spurred by the rapid increase in population. A chaotic and informal urban development pattern emerged as new areas around the city were created as informal zones. During the Ottoman occupation in the mid of XVIII century, there is one document presenting the city of Pogradec having four neighborhoods, 4 mosques, 1 secondary school and two elementary schools, three dosshouses, one public toilet and 600 houses, having an approximately population of 2,500 habitants. In 1878, during the Albanian Prizren League, Pogradec had 2,000 inhabitants. In 1919, Pogradec was organized more like a county having more than 140 villages located between Quks of Elbasan to Pirg of Korce. In 1930 during the ruling of Ahmet Zogu King, the Pogradec was organized as a distinctive political and administrative municipality. Figure 3. Pogradec view from satellite The population in Pogradec city is mainly concentrated in rural area, where are living more than 56.3% or 51,664 inhabitants, compared to 43.7% or 40,138 inhabitants living in urban part. Bucimas commune is the most populated commune with 16,594 inhabitants 7

8 or 32% of the total population living in the rural area followed by the commune of Cerrave with 9,667 inhabitants (18.7%) and other communes with a lower number of inhabitants. Per total, the district is almost gender balanced with a very small higher percentage of male 50.4% compared to 49.6% of female which is at the same level in both rural and urban areas. During the last 18 years the number of families has increased, but the number of members of families has decreased with an average of 3.5 members per family in the all district. Table 1. Population and number of families detailed according to municipality and communes Administrative unit Population Male Female Number of families Members of family Total district 91,802 46,283 45,519 26, Municipality 40,138 20,198 19,940 11, Communes 51,664 26,085 25,579 15, Bucimas 16,594 8,426 8,168 5, Cerrave 9,667 4,994 4,673 2, Hudenisht 7,600 3,799 3,801 2, Propisht 6,942 3,395 3,547 1, Velcan 3,691 1,812 1, Trebinje 3,611 1,867 1,744 1, Dardhas 3,559 1,792 1, Over the 18-year period, from 1990 to 2008, the population of the district climbed to 91,802, increased by nearly 28%, or 20,356 inhabitants from both natural and mechanical growth. The urban population registered one of highest increase of population in Albania from an estimated 15,000 inhabitants in 1990 to more than 40,000 inhabitants in 2008, up be 166%. In the first years of democracy, which coincide with the lifting of restrictions on free movement, restrictions that had controlled the population throughout the communist regime, the population growth was more accentuated, surpassing the rate of growth seen in earlier decades. Under conditions of rapid and unchecked demographic movements of this scale that occurred during this period, it is difficult to document completely and accurately all changes in population. The effect of lifting of these restrictions extended for at least eight years until the rate of population growth stabilized at 1-2% in With diminishing migration, the rate of population growth has been almost constant, with negative growth seen in 2006, suggesting that the number of people leaving Pogradec has started to grow exceeding that of those coming to the city. Now, natural increase is the main factor in the population growth. 8

9 Figure 4. Population growth rate of Pogradec Municipality in years 94,000 92,000 90,000 88,000 86,000 84,000 82, Population 91,802 90,134 89,826 90,752 89,220 88,874 88,416 86,727 85,891 Change in % 2% 0% -1% 2% 0% 1% 2% 1% 3% 2% 2% 1% 1% 0% -1% -1% -2% Natural increase as a balance of births and deaths and it is approximately 8.4 per 1,000 residents, with births at 13.0 per 1,000 residents and deaths at 4.6 per 1,000 residents at the end of Natural increase has increased from 2000 when it was 5.7 per 1,000 residents, with births at 10.7 per 1,000 residents and deaths at 5.0 per 1,000 residents. The more settled average rate of growth over the last ten years suggests that the population of Pogradec will increase to 114,144 inhabitants over the next 10 years, if we consider a an 2% constant rate of growth per year, excluding the mechanical growth. However the values of population change in the coming period will depend on the interplay of economic, social and land issues as well, which will affect the migration balance. According to the data published by INSTAT on Albanian population, density and surface per district at the end of 2007, Pogradec is ranked on 12 th place regarding the number of population, on 13 th place regarding the density and on 21 st place regarding the surface. 9

10 Table 2. Population, density and surface according to districts No Districts Population Density Surface (km2) 1 Tirane 726, ,238 2 Durres 246, Elbasan 227, ,372 4 Fier 202, Shkoder 188, ,973 6 Lushnje 145, Korce 140, ,752 8 Berat 118, Vlore 87, , Kavaje 84, Lezhe 78, Pogradec 71, Kruje 68, Diber 65, , Librazhd 65, , Gjirokaster 57, , Kurbin 55, Mat 49, , Sarande 48, Kukes 45, Malesi e Madhe 36, Kucove 35, Devoll 33, Peqin 31, Mallakaster 30, Bulqize 28, Mirdite 27, Puke 24, , Gramsh 24, Tepelene 23, Permet 22, Skrapar 18, Tropoje 17, , Kolonje 14, Has 13, Delvine 12, Total Albania 3,170, ,748 Migration grew from the lifting of bans against population movement that existed over the long period of authoritarian rule and was a consequence of a primarily rural exodus since the standard of living, particularly in rural areas, was very low and lacked infrastructure and services. Pogradec, with its attractive geographical position close to the lake, has attracted many newcomers. People came from these areas to Pogradec to ensure a better future for their children, through access to better schooling and social services, and to take advantage of employment and housing opportunities in the city. 10

11 8. Employment and income Most of the people who relocated to Pogradec did so in search of great employment opportunities. However, economic challenges during the period of transition led to high rates of unemployment. Fluctuations in unemployment were frequent due to reforms and restructuring of state companies. The public sector is one of the main force for proving working opportunities in the Pogradec city, despite the considerable decrease during the years. The main economic activity is education where are employed 40% of the total working in the public sector. Other important economic activity is health with 22%, other 25%, transport and communication (6%) and agriculture and industry of energy, water, each with 3%. There are no important changes in the structure of employment according to economic activities and gender between 2006 to Table 3. Employment in public sector according to economic activities and gender Economic activity Total Male Female Total Male Female Total 2,375 45% 55% 2,361 45% 55% Agriculture 3% 86% 14% 3% 86% 14% Extractive industry 1% 83% 17% 0% 0% 0% Industry of energy, water 3% 81% 19% 3% 81% 19% Trade 0% 71% 29% 0% 71% 29% Hotel, restaurants, 1% 25% 75% 0% 0% 0% Transport and communication 6% 76% 24% 6% 76% 24% Education 41% 41% 59% 40% 41% 59% Health 20% 15% 85% 22% 15% 85% Other 24% 56% 44% 25% 56% 44% Analyzing the main trends of employment in the public sector during it results that agriculture, industry, trade, financial activities and education have continued to decrease as a percentage of total during the years. Only the percentage of transport and communication, health, and other has continued to increase. Figure 5. Employment in public sector according to economic activities % 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Total 2001 Total 2006 Total 2008 Agriculture Extractive industry Industry of energy, water Trade Hotel, restaurants Transport and communication Financial activity Education Health Other 11

12 The below figures show the economic activity of employment in public sector with different gender characteristics during the last three years. There is only one economic activity, which is education, where there is somehow a little difference between sexes. In the other sectors as transport and communication; trade; industry of energy, water; and agriculture there is a majority workforce of male. The much larger percentage of male representatives reflects a cultural mentality of transition and contributes to a low participation of women in the workforce and to an artificial rise in unemployment. The problem of low participation of women in the workforce is as well a result of unequal opportunities for employment of men and women between sectors. It can be noticed that in hotel and restaurants sector, the female represent all the workforce, increasing from 75% in 2006 to 100% in Figure 6. Employment in public sector according to economic activities and gender Other 56% 44% Other 56% 44% Health 15% 85% Health 15% 85% Education 41% 59% Education 41% 59% Transport and communication 76% 24% Transport and communication 76% 24% Hotel, restaurants 25% 75% Hotel, restaurants0% 100% Trade 71% 29% Trade 71% 29% Industry of energy, water 81% 19% Industry of energy, w ater 81% 19% Extractive industry 83% 17% Extractive industry0% Agriculture 86% 14% Agriculture 86% 14% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Male 2006 Female % 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Male 2008 Female 2008 Income. The new opportunities that the new private market system offered since the early nineties by private business, property, remittances, etc., helped the population augment their income and improve their livehooods. Families without alternative sources of income are eligible to receive economic (social) assistance from municipality. The municipal data from the last eight years show that the percentage of families benefiting economic assistance has decrease from 30% in 2001 to 20% in 2008, despite the fact that the number of families in Pogradec district has continued to grow from 2001 to The total fund paid for the needed families has also decreased from 152,748 leke in 2001 to 118,486 leke in

13 The decrease of the percentage of the number of families may suggest an improvement in the economic situation of most families and improvement in the provision of economic assistance as well. Figure 7. Number of families benefiting economic assistance ,400 26,200 26,000 25,800 25,600 25,400 25, Total families 25,581 25,898 26,158 % of families benefiting 30% 27% 20% economic assistance 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Unemployment has continued to be a problem over the last 2-3 years. Finding a job, regardless of qualifications and experience, is difficult because the number of new positions is insufficient. The table presented below shows the changes in number of unemployed between according the category of total unemployed, followed by the category of beneficiaries of the unemployment payment, the category of economic assistance beneficiaries and the category of other unemployed. Despite the decrease of 6% in the number of total unemployed in the district during the last three years, the number of employed for all the groups of occupations has increased. The occupation of the simple worker is the main occupation registering a decrease of unemployed people. Different studies showed that neither small businesses nor unlicensed enterprises serve as strong or secure generators of employment, despite their importance to the local economy. Table 4. Unemployment by main group of occupations during the last three years Main group of Total unemployed in the Unemployment Economic assistance Other occupations district payment beneficiaries beneficiaries Change in % Change % Change % Change % Total 2,636 2,486-6% % 1,950 1,733-11% % Senior specialists % % % % Secondary technicians % % % % Clerks 1,250 1,455 16% % 893 1,168 31% % Agricultural workers 0 0 0% 0 0 0% 0 0 0% 0 0 0% Handicraftsman and merchants 0 0 0% 0 0 0% 0 0 0% 0 0 0% Workers at mechanic factory 0 0 0% 0 0 0% 0 0 0% 0 0 0% Simple worker % % % % 13

14 The main problems with the job market in Pogradec during the transition period are a weak structure, low participation, and the level of informality. The informal sector continues to play a vital role for the employment of the people in the transitional economic development of Pogradec, however limiting the efficient function of economy. 9. Housing Demographic movements, rapid urbanization, recognition of private land ownership, and low involvement of government in the housing sector, have all affected housing conditions and the housing market during the transition period. As a result, individuals and construction firms in the private sector have directed development of the process of housing provision, distribution and consumption in Pogradec. From the mass privatization of collective housing under state ownership in 1993, housing is predominantly owner-occupied 4. The strong market orientation of the housing system, however, has diminished public housing development and limited housing access and choice especially for low-income people. The private housing market alone has not been able to resolve the problems of and need for housing in Pogradec, remaining a challenge for the number of homeless in Pogradec. Analyzing the construction volume according to construction permits, during the last three years the area of construction has increased 3% from 46,682,000m² to 48,024,000m², where the increase is only represented by the portion of other buildings from 624,000m² in 2006 to 2,334,000m² in 2008, while the residence has registered a decrease from 46,058,000m² in 2006 to 45,690,000m² in Table 5. Construction volume according to construction permits Types of objects Number of projects Area of construction (000 m²) Planned fund in 000 leke Year Total district ,682 48,024 1,291,436 1,340,994 Construction ,682 48,024 1,173,110 1,206,554 Residences ,058 45,690 1,157,307 1,147,915 Other buildings ,334 15,803 58,639 Engineering construction 4 118, ,390 Legal limitations and inadequate funding restrict the ability of local authorities to address the homelessness phenomenon. The municipality of Pogradec has planned a 80 million leke fund to construct a 8 floors building during the next years for social housing, but problems are faced with free properties, and a public-private partnership is needed in order to resolve this issue. 4 One of the government actions in response to this trend to accelerate the private market was the early privatization of state housing in 1993, on the basis of the Law date December 23, 1992, which was a rightto-buy from the sitting tenants at a nominal price. Within one year, approximately 97% of the homes in Albania, homes that had previously been under collective ownership, were privately owned. 14

15 A large portion of the population, especially those who came to Pogradec after 1990, have resolved their housing situations through self-help. However, more often than not, private housing solutions have taken place in an uncoordinated manner at the expense of public interest, a situation which has led to the problem of mushrooming informal settlements. The creation of new informal zones clearly points to the failure of housing system during this period. The lack of public housing as an alternative to the housing available on the free market as well as the lack of clear mechanisms for regulating the housing market shows how the system has failed. There are also problems in the existing housing supply in Pogradec. An already deficient housing system prior to 1990 has now created huge problems for housing quality and maintenance. The inadequate and substandard dwelling conditions have led to the extreme solution of building and enlarging homes without appropriate permits. 10. Education Education has a considerable tradition in Pogradec. The second Albanian language school was started in Pogradec. Over the last years, many private schools have opened. The below table summarize the education system in Pogradec. Table 6. Educational institutions and registration, by year and type of education Grade level Public Schools Students Staff Pre-school (kindergarten) 21 2, Elementary (Required years 1-9) 9, Secondary (years 10-12) 11 3, In the area the students have the opportunity to follow not only the elementary and secondary school, but also the tertiary level. A private university, NEHEMIA, is already operating in the area, providing bachelor degrees in two faculties: Humanities and Business & Technology, and a master degree in European Studies. On June 18, 2009, the Government of Albania adopted the decision to create a branch of Korca University Fan S. Noli in the city of Pogradec for the study field Tourism. The study programme will have a three year long period and will start in the academic year According to the local officials, the initiative is very important not only for the graduation of the students in a very important sector, but also is stimulates and improve the human resources professionalism for the development of the tourism in the city. According to general inquiries in the Pogradec, residents have identified several key issues in the area of education in Pogradec. Obvious problems exist both with infrastructure and the instructional process. In more detail these problems are: - An inadequate number of school buildings at all levels. As a results, many young children (ages 4-5) stay at home and do not attend pre-school. Older children face large class sizes, hampering their educational experience. - Very large schools (both years 1-9 and 10-12), with many students and numerous classes, make administration and management difficult. 15

16 - Relocation to other cities in Albania, immigration, low pay, and attractive private school environments have caused better teachers to leave the public schools. The professional abilities of many remaining teachers are inadequate, lowering overall education quality for students at all level. - The lack of libraries, information centers, sports facilities, and recreational areas limit the ability of schools to educate children about social values and democratic citizenship. - School location (distance between student homes and schools) and class size are issues seen throughout the municipality. In many areas outside the city center schools are too far from the homes of many students, making it difficult for students to attend. 11. Culture and sports Pogradec is well known for its famous writers and poets such as Lasgush Poradeci, Mitrush Kuteli, and lately, Dhimiter Pojanaku, Liri Seitllari, Luan Starova. Their works are a crucial part of Albanian literature. The town is also the home of nationally acclaimed painters like Anastas Kostandini, Gjergji Lako, Gentian Zeka, and Vangjo Vasili. Culture life in Pogradec is centered on several key cultural institutions, including the cinema, Palace of Culture, Gallery of Arts, Institute of Cultural Monuments, a museum, a house museum with different theatrical, cultural, and artistic activities. Pogradec is also called the City of Flowers and the City of European Puppet Theater, where Buratino, Pinnochio, Çufo and Xinxifillo entertain the children with great joy. Many theatrical and variety shows are presented in Pogradec, as well as traditional local festivals with many related activities. Pogradec s library is also an important cultural institution in Pogradec. The library has over 18,020 titles and more than 37,740 books. It attracted over 11,360 registered readers in artistic, scientific, social and literary activities were organized in All kinds of sports are practiced in town, especially by the youth. The sports tradition in Pogradec dates back to the 1932 with the foundation of Sportiv Club Dragoi Pogradec, actually named Football Club Pogradeci. Its home ground is Stadium Gjorgji Kyçyku (6,000 places). Pogradeci debuted in the Albanian First Division in 1936, and the team is currently playing in the second division in the season Football is the most popular sport, but even volleyball and basketball are played competitively. During the summer, beach volleyball draws the attention of all the residents. Many professional volleyball teams from Albania and other Balkan countries participate in a championship which lasts about two weeks. Pogradeci team has been awarded the first prize several times. Other sports to mention are swimming and boxing. The boxing team, "Dragoi", is one of the top teams in the nation and has always trained champions. 16

17 To revitalize the sport activities in Pogradec, the Municipality has planned to invest 55 million leke in 2010 together with 50 million financed by the Albanian Football Federation for the reconstruction of the Gjorgji Kyçyku Stadium and its facilities. 12. Health services Health services in Pogradec in 2008 are provided by one hospital, one polyclinic, 8 health centers, 48 ambulances, 71 women s consultation clinics, and 71 children s consultation clinics. During the last eight years the number of polyclinics and health centers has remain unchanged, while the number of women s consultation clinics, and children s consultation clinics has increased. Only the number of ambulance has decreased from 63 in 2006 to 48 in 2008, showing a decrease in the medical coverage in the rural areas. Medical coverage is inadequate, with only one health center for more thank 10,000 residents. Access to and quality of health care are critical for the wellbeing of the population. In general poor health infrastructure restricts the delivery of quality health services, including hospital conditions and a lack of adequate beds, medications, and medical equipment. The low standards and the need to bribe to obtain services limit the quality of medical care. Table 7. The number of public health institutions during the years Type of institution Polyclinic Health Center Ambulance Women's consultation clinics Children's consultation clinics Economy General situation of the economy The city of Pogradec has undergone important changes. Its population has increased considerably. Intense informal urbanization has occurred throughout the period of transition, resulting in uncontrolled urban development, which affects overall land use and management in the city. It has led to reduction and loss of public spaces and green areas, unregulated conversion of agricultural into residential areas, and creation of informal, unservices zones at the periphery of the city. At the same time, abandoned areas remain unused and in need of rehabilitation, to encourage economic development and to alleviate ongoing damage of environment. All the factors mentioned above have influenced the development of economy in the city of Pogradec. Until the early 1990s, tourism was one the major economic force for Pogradec. At the same time important sectors of the national industry during the communist regime were centered in Pogradec including chrome, nickel, coal. Pogradec was also known for the development of fishing, wood processing, etc. 17

18 At the beginning of 1990s, with the new market orientation of the economy, several important public enterprises and sectors went through restructuring and privatization, resulting in reduced or closed operation for many of them. Fundamentally, a new private sector was emerging which attracted an increasing number of individuals and private companies. A gradual increase in the number of new businesses helped to rebuild the economy, with the private sector being the driving force of the Pogradec s economy. During the 18 years period, frequent fluctuations characterized the transition of local economy in Pogradec, caused by various factors, such as the economic collapse in 1997 brought on by widespread investment in pyramid schemes. Since then, the economy has rebounded. According to the official data from the Municipality of Pogradec, the number of businesses during the last eight years has increased between 1,277 in 2002 to 1,396 in 2006, but falling to 1,063. This trend shows that the number of new business openings, has fallen during the last 2-3 years, a slowing trend in the economy which is also recognized by the businesspeople in Pogradec. Table 8. Number and types of businesses during Year Type of Business total Total Private Public Total Private Public Agricultural Fishing, Forestry Extracting industry Processing industry Energy, water industry Construction Trade and services 621 1,026 1, Hotel restaurants Transport & communication Education Health Others Total 1,277 1,396 1, ,066 1, Note: The data for 2001 are not provided in the same structure (type of business) as in the following years. The economic activities structure includes trade and services, transport & communication, tourism, production, construction, health and other services. A service economy is developing in Pogradec, as well as in the rest of Albania. This industry has increased considerably from 2002 to 2006, but has registered a slight decrease in the last three years. Another important sector is transport which has decreased from 17% in 2002 to 10% in The hotel and restaurants or tourism is also important for the economy of Pogradec with 11% of the total number of businesses in

19 The other sectors as production or industry, construction and health has almost a constant activity during the last eight years. In the production sector are included the processing and extracting industry. The data show a small percentage of businesses operating in the businesses comparing to the old contribution that this sector had during the communism regime. Figure 7. Trends in percentage of types of businesses during % 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 5% 4% 3% Production Construction 3% 3% 2% 49% Trade and services 73% 67% Hotel restaurants 8% 11% Transport & communication 17% 6% 24% 10% 3% 3% 4% 2% 2% Health Others The stake of the public enterprises in the economic life of Pogradec has decreased in the last three years from 33 in 2006 to 27 in 2008, but the number of employees working in the public enterprises continues to be much more higher than in private sector. During the last three years the percentage of employees working in public enterprises has increased from 50.5% to 58%. Table 9. Number of businesses and employees during Category Total Private Public Total Private Public Number of businesses 1,396 1, ,066 1, % of businesses 100% 97.6% 2.4% 100% 97.5% 2.5% Number of employees 4,702 2,327 2,375 4,070 1,709 2,361 % of number of employees 100% 49.5% 50.5% 100% 42.0% 58.0% Better knowledge of the factors that influence the site decisions of production firms is important for the future economic development of Pogradec in view of the rather spontaneous development of the private sector throughout the transition period, without clear, proper guidance in investment and location decisions. Many new businesses have opened without to related businesses, markets and other criteria that influence location decision. While the increase in the number of new businesses has been helpful in serving 19

20 the needs of local populations, the congestion of businesses of the same type within a close distance can be observed throughout the city Agriculture Agriculture, together with animal husbandry, employs the majority of people in the rural areas. This branch was totally reformed after the reforms in the agriculture in Albania. The region is characterized by the small acreage of farms and internal fragmentation of these farms into 4-8 plots. This situation creates obstacles for increasing production. There are 72,501 hectares of land within the Pogradec district. The total agriculture land has decreased by 0.2% in 2008 compared to 2006, while the cultivate land has increased by 12.2% from 6,908ha to 7,749ha, and the areas cultivated with trees have increased by 15.5% from 502ha to 580ha. The land structure of the Pogradec district is as shown below. Table 10. The land structure in Pogradec district during in ha Year Agriculture land (ha) Pasture Forests Agricultural Not use Total agriculture land Cultivate land (ha) Trees (ha) (ha) (ha) land not used (ha) land (ha) ,506 6, ,062 28,354 9,097 21, ,471 7, ,062 28,370 9,097 21,077 Change in % -0.2% 12.2% 15.5% 0.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% The changes in the agriculture policy influenced even the production and the orientation of the production in the district of Pogradec. Characteristic for this period is the decline in some products that were famous during the socialist period, especially in the mountainous areas due to the quality of land and population movements. The main productions for Pogradec are wheat, corn, rye, vegetables, potatoes, fodders, and legumes Mining industry The District of Pogradec is one of the richest regions with minerals. Different metal and non-metal minerals are useful to be exploited in Pogradec. Among the metal minerals we can mention: Iron nickel, boaxid and chrome, while from the non metal minerals we can mention: coal, stone, argil, limestone and silica sand. Iron nickel. One of the most important mines in the country is Guri i Kuq, 4km from the city, which has been exploited for many years and where important iron nickel quantities have been discovered. In this area have been exploited many quantities in Cervenaka and also there are many small iron nickel mines that have been exploited underground as in Hudenisht, Guri i Përgjegjur, Cervenaka Lindore. After the 90 those mines remained unexploited and only a few of those private companies are licensed and extract iron nickel mineral in order to supply the steel mill in Kosovo and Macedonia. 20

21 Now in Pogradec the exploitation is being developed mainly in small iron nickel mines where have been employed many persons. Coal. The District of Pogradec is one of the richest coal areas in Albania, which is exported, or used for domestic purposes. The Mokra and Alarupi regions in the Pogradec areas are very rich in coal and have big resources. Chromium is another important mineral. The known mineral reserves are limited, but there are possibilities for further drilling exploration in the future. Some resources are discovered in Pojskë of Pogradeci which has been exploited for many years till now. In the Pogradec area have been successfully exploited the argil for faience supplying this to the porcelain factories in Albania. During the past few years in Pogradec have been and continue to be exploited a lot the limestone and silica sand which are being used in construction field. The Pogradec District had boaxid reserves which are exploited for export. In this district many subjects are exploiting limestone and silica sand which are elaborated in order to be used in the construction field, also in this field have been employed many persons. The most part of the income in this area is coming from the iron nickel, limestone and silica sand extraction Tourism challenges Introduction. Pogradec is considered a tourism station, city of the flowers, the city of Lasgush Poradeci and Mitrush Kuteli, the city of a marvelous landscape, with the sleeping lake. The area has been declared protected area Landscape/water view protected with the decision of the Council of Ministers, date In 1980, for its historical, flora and unique fauna values all the area on the shore of the lake and the Ohrid Lake has been declared by UNESCO as a place of worldwide natural and cultural heritage. The historical, cultural, and natural resources found in the region of Pogradec indicate strong potential for tourism development, but this sector is still relatively underdeveloped. On the lakeshore from Lin up to Tushemisht, there is a big beach and the most known area of this beach is the one along the 1Maj promenade. Close to this promenade there is a big green park. There are also other beaches like Pojska and Tushemisht, with small hotels where during the summer the tourist find their harmony. 21

22 Pogradec is distinguished for its natural monuments, from which we can mention: - Drilon water source close to the Tushemisht village, on the hills of Tushemisht-Gurasit. - The Kamja Stone, 45 km far from the city with a length of 10 meters and high of 70m. - The Llëngës Canyon, the Lukova lakes, a few caves. Heritage and cultural resources. The heritage and history of the region of Pogradec is also rich and unique. Historic sites include the monumental tomb of Selcës së Poshtme (400 years BC), 40km away from the city and the Lin mosaics on the peninsula or Lin, 22 km away from Pogradec which date since the VI century AC. Ancient traditions and customs and the festivals, ceremonies, costumes, songs, and dances of village life create rich opportunities for cultural tourism. The Museum of Pogradec has special importance for the development of historical and cultural tourism. The museum documents the most important historic moments in the history of Pogradec. Promotion activity of tourism. Four international publications, ten from the Ministry of Tourism, brochures, maps, guides, three publications from the region brochures/maps/guides, five publications from the private sector of the Albanian tourism guides/brochures/magazines and two publications local/regional brochure/guides that have been reviewed in order to note how the Pogradec area is presented and promotes its values to the potential tourist. The Pogradec area has been mentioned a bit almost in all the publications with exception in the regional/local brochures/guide. When it has been mentioned, there has been more interest in what concerns the areas landscape then the cultural/historic attractions, the cleanness of Pogradec city, the existence of the national road which gives the possibility to travel in that area and the high quality of the wine/raki available in the area. A few travel agencies have direct transport lines to the seashore area in the south-west area through the national road Considerations for sustainable economic development Pogradec has made important steps towards developing a market economy throughout the transition period. The private sector, predominantly small businesses, has played a key role in economic development. That role supports the need to develop policies and incentives to strengthen the business community, particularly as the legal framework for small and medium-sized enterprises and the supporting infrastructure are now in place and gradually being improved. Other key issues include gaps in business knowledge and management capacity on the part of business owners and the lack of financing available to small and medium-sized businesses. The economy of Pogradec is primarily service oriented; however the trade, construction, and tourism sectors have also developed considerably. Two other sectors with potential are agribusiness and transport. Growth of these sectors depends upon the creation of conditions proper for historical, cultural, and natural tourism, based upon wise development of natural resources and of the tourist zones near the city. The Ohrid Lake area needs more attention by the state in order to preserve the natural environment and its potential as a tourist destination. Development of agribusiness is supported by existing 22