Garbage trucks belonging to the municipal company “Pastrimi”, parked directly across from the old Municipality of Prishtina building, are severely impacting nearby businesses and residents. Many of these trucks are filled with waste and parked just 2-3 meters from business entrances, causing significant disruption.
Business owners report losses up to 70% due to the overwhelming stench, with fears of potential health risks from prolonged exposure. Arben Ruva, a local business representative, described the situation as “extremely damaging,” while lawyer Meliha Gashi warned that the health risks have become unbearable and urged the Health Inspectorate to intervene immediately.
Local resident Abedin Hajdari expressed frustration after complaining to the Municipality without any results, calling the ongoing situation “a shame” as the garbage has accumulated for over ten days. Ecologist Egzona Shala-Kadiu also issued a warning about the high risk of infections due to the combination of waste accumulation and rising temperatures around 30°C.
The strike by “Pastrimi” workers has now lasted nearly two weeks, with employees demanding the payment of a €2.7 million debt allegedly owed by the Municipality, a claim the Municipality denies. In addition to financial demands, the workers are calling for a ban on private waste operators.
Despite the crisis, the Municipality of Prishtina states it lacks the authority to remove the striking workers, while union leaders insist they will continue the strike until their demands are fully met.
