Investment in street lighting in Pustec/Kolefski: 100 street lights donated

2025-09-10 20:50:00, Qyteti im CNA

The street lighting project was inaugurated in the Municipality of Pustec, an initiative carried out with the support of the “Bulgarian Memory” Foundation. This investment aims not only to improve the infrastructure, but also to increase the attractiveness of the area for visitors. The event was attended by the Bulgarian Ambassador to Albania, the Mayor of Pustec, as well as representatives of the foundation.

Investment in street lighting in Pustec/Kolefski: 100 street lights donated

In his speech, the Bulgarian Ambassador Ivaylo Kirov, described Pustec as one of the most beautiful places in Albania, while emphasizing that this municipality is moving at a rapid pace towards development thanks to projects supported by the foundation. According to him, street lighting improves the daily life of residents and gives the area a more attractive image for tourists, both domestic and foreign. The ambassador also announced that very soon, for the third time, free examinations by doctors from Bulgaria will be held in Pustec, another initiative in the service of the residents of the area.

"It is a pleasure for me to be again in one of the most beautiful places in Albania, the Korça region and the municipality of Pustec. Together with the mayor of Pustec and representatives of the "Bulgarian Memory" foundation, we have gathered again for an excellent occasion for lighting in the municipality of Pustec, which makes the latter one of the municipalities that moves at a fast pace in Albania. We must thank the "Bulgarian Memory" foundation, who supported the idea of ??Mr. Kolefski to illuminate the entire municipality of Pustec and in this way make it more attractive for both Albanian and foreign tourists. The "Bulgarian Memory" foundation invests a lot in the municipality of Korça and very soon you will have free examinations again for the third time in the municipality of Pustec, where doctors from Bulgaria will come to bring a better life to this municipality. Let's hope that we will have many such excellent projects," said Ambassador Kirov.

Alexander Petrov, representative of the Bulgarian Memory Foundation, spoke about the investments made over the years in this area. He said that their amount amounts to over 1 million euros over a period of 5 to 7 years. Petrov emphasized that all investments have been made in support of the community, without expecting benefits in return. He also addressed the accusations that have been leveled at the foundation from time to time, that financial support is used to manipulate residents.

"It's hard to say, but probably over 1 million euros, in 5-7 years. If anyone thinks we're doing it for manipulation, let them come and tell us. Everything we do, we do without expecting anything in return. We believe that we work very well, which has results, and we always see a better future," Petrov declared.

Regarding the debate over the ethnicity of the population in Pustec, following the Macedonian Prime Minister's statement that the residents are Macedonians, Petrov emphasized that, according to official census data, both Macedonians and Bulgarians live in this municipality.

"In Pustec there are both Macedonians and Bulgarians, as the census has shown," Petrov specified.

On the other hand, the mayor of Pustec, Pali Kolefski, said that thanks to the foundation's support, 100 new streetlights have been installed in several villages in the area, improving living conditions for residents.

"This is the next support from the "Bulgarian Memory" where 100 complete luminaires have been donated along with cables and other elements and have been placed in several villages in the area, such as the village of Zaroshke here, Lajthizë, in Gorica e madhe where they are continuing the work and this has at least a small impact on improving the conditions of our villages. We are very grateful for this investment, support from the "Bulgarian Memory" and I think that we will have other support in the future. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Bulgarian ambassador who was with us," said Kolefski.

The lighting project, accompanied by other support in health and infrastructure, is being seen by local authorities as a real opportunity to improve the livelihoods of residents and turn Pustec into an increasingly attractive tourist destination in the Korça region./ CNA