Following severe flooding in Malishevë during January, municipal authorities have initiated procedures to assess damages to households, businesses, and public infrastructure.
Artan Paçarizi, the municipal spokesperson, told Ekonomia Online that immediately after the emergency situation ended, the communal commission for damage assessment was activated. By January 16, the municipality had received 225 claims for damages, though the submission period was later extended due to the high number of requests.
“The commission is currently conducting field assessments of damages, which include not only claims from citizens and businesses but also damages to public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and dams along the Mirusha River,” Paçarizi explained. He added that the completed report will be submitted to the Municipal Assembly for approval and then forwarded to the Government for compensation decisions.
According to Paçarizi, the floods caused significant damage, particularly to household economies, affecting basements, electrical appliances, laminated flooring, furniture, and other essential items.
He noted that it is too early to discuss compensation from the municipality due to the absence of an emergency fund, a problem common across Kosovo, as no municipality currently has such a fund regulated by law.
“We hope that the Government will honor its commitment and provide at least partial compensation, as it may not be possible to cover all damages, but the majority should be addressed,” Paçarizi said.
In the meantime, the municipality has intervened in several areas to ensure road accessibility and prevent further damage, particularly where roads and bridges were at risk.
The floods on January 6 led to the evacuation of six families in Malishevë.
