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The capital in the concrete "wheel" / New buildings without spaces for children and without parking

2026-05-18 09:28:00, Sociale CNA

Tirana is changing its face every day, but not necessarily for the better for its residents. While building permits are rapidly approved and new construction sites open in every corner of the city, a silent crisis is affecting the daily lives of families in the capital: the total disappearance of public and vital spaces.

In many neighborhoods of Tirana, what was once a small playground, a flowerbed or simply a space between buildings, has today become a construction pit for the next tower or building. Builders get permits, erect entire floors, but "forget" to give something back to the community. Promises of parks and playgrounds in every residential block often remain only in 3D models.

In reality, children are forced to play in narrow alleys, between parked cars or on damaged sidewalks, thus risking their lives. The lack of green spaces is directly affecting their health and socialization.

Another problem faced by citizens is parking spaces. Although the law stipulates that every new building must have underground parking floors, the reality shows that they are either insufficient or sold at stratospheric prices that residents cannot afford. As a result, secondary roads are completely blocked, making it difficult for ambulances or firefighters to pass. Aggressive concreting is creating 'heat islands'. Without trees and open spaces between buildings, the air becomes more suffocating and noise and environmental pollution reaches alarming levels.

Another problem remains the quality of life for the elderly. Without sunlight and a bench where they can sit and chat, the elderly are locked inside four walls, isolated from the rest of the city.

Urban planning experts raise serious questions about the way construction permits are issued. According to them, the short-term financial interests of builders are triumphing over the public interest. Although regulatory plans talk about "Green Tirana", a walk through the neighborhoods is enough to understand that concrete has won the battle with greenery.

If urgent action is not taken to establish strict conditions, where no building is built without first guaranteeing the necessary green space, playgrounds and parking, Tirana risks turning into an unlivable city, where people simply "shelter in place", but cannot live./ CNA