Izmir Zeqiri, the Mayor of Zubin Potok, has stated that he does not consider it impossible for attacks similar to the one on November 29, 2024, at the Ibër-Lepenc Canal to happen again in the future. He described the current situation in his municipality as calm and under control.
“As for groups or individuals who might carry out similar actions again, I don’t see it as impossible, because these things happen in all consolidated states… As for security, I believe everything is under control, although security teams are still investigating links to the incident that occurred at the Ibër-Lepenc Canal. The situation is under control. I believe there has been a relaxation of the situation regarding the citizens. People live freely, circulate freely, and work freely,” Zeqiri said.
In an interview with KosovaPress, he emphasized that cooperation with the Serbian community is good, and there are no significant problems in this regard.
Regarding cooperation with the central government, Zeqiri stated that he does not have any major complaints, noting that he has never requested close security protection.
“As for the government and ministries, I cannot say I have any major complaints. Although the difficulties we face are significant, we have an open door at every ministry… We cannot say we are being sidelined. We have many promises, though perhaps fewer realizations… No, I have not asked for and do not have close protection… I would not want to find myself in situations where I have to mobilize forces around me to carry out my constitutional duties as a servant of the citizens,” Zeqiri declared.
Speaking about employment in the municipality, Zeqiri mentioned that it is nearly balanced in ethnic terms.
“Forty people are employed in the municipality in various positions… The percentage of Serbs might be slightly higher, if not 50-50… We are exploring employment opportunities and are in the process of opening up job competitions. As in previous competitions, the priority continues to be for the Serbian majority to be employed, and I hope we will fill the staff in line with the ethnic composition, with around 80 percent being Serbs and about 20 percent being from the Albanian community,” Zeqiri said.
He also discussed plans for projects in 2025 but declined to reveal whether he would run for a second term as mayor.
“The budget is around 3.5 million, and based on citizens’ requests, we have planned the budget for investment. There are significant demands in infrastructure. Zubin Potok is small in terms of population, but it ranks fourth in terms of territory, and we have areas where infrastructure is lacking—road networks, sewage systems, and electricity, which is damaged in many places… I know the mandate goes until the fall… and I believe it’s too early to talk about this matter,” Zeqiri said.
In his message to citizens, Zeqiri stressed that they should be proud of the legal infrastructure provided by the state of Kosovo for all, without any discrimination.
Source: KP
