Fitore Pacolli: Closure of the hotel and restaurant ordered at Lake Radoniq

The Environmental Inspectorate has ordered the suspension of operations at the “Liqeni i Dukagjinit” restaurant and hotel, which is located within the protected area of Lake Radoniq.

Acting Environment Minister Fitore Pacolli made the decision public in a Facebook post. According to her, the activity was carried out in violation of environmental protection legislation.

Pacolli stated that the operation of this business violated the Law on Waters, Government Decision 09/127 on defining the sanitary zones of Lake Radoniq, as well as other bylaws.

She also announced that all the circumstances and the individuals responsible for making this situation possible would be examined, including the actions of former officials who may have abused their positions.

According to the acting minister, the identified violations posed a direct risk to the safety and quality of drinking water.

In her response, Pacolli stressed that protecting sources and reservoirs of drinking water is a legal obligation and a fundamental responsibility toward citizens.

She reiterated that Kosovo’s waters would be protected firmly and without exception.

“Illegal activity at Lake Radoniq closed: There is no compromise when it comes to protecting drinking water!”

The Environmental Inspectorate has ordered the closure of the operations of the “Liqeni i Dukagjinit” restaurant and hotel, which is located in the protected area of Lake Radoniq and had been operating in complete violation of environmental legislation.

This activity was in flagrant violation of the Law on Waters, Government Decision 09/127 on defining the sanitary zones of Lake Radoniq, and other bylaws, directly endangering the safety and quality of drinking water.

As the Ministry, we have called for a full investigation into all the circumstances and those responsible for enabling this blatant abuse. This also includes investigating the actions of the former officials responsible, who may have abused their positions to allow this situation to occur.

Protecting sources and reservoirs of drinking water is a legal obligation and our essential responsibility toward citizens. We will protect Kosovo’s waters firmly and without exception!