Tetovo Residents Call for Sidewalks and Public Spaces to Be Cleared

Pedestrian movement on Tetovo’s sidewalks is being hindered by spaces occupied by businesses and cafés. Tables, chairs, refrigerators, goods for sale and other materials are placed in these areas, blocking free passage.

People with disabilities and parents using baby strollers face the greatest obstacles. In addition to equipment placed outside by businesses, they also complain about vehicles parked on sidewalks.

The situation is particularly problematic along the section that begins at the roundabout near the location known as the Taksi Pastry Shop and continues to the Pasha’s Mosque. In this part of the city, almost every business has occupied part of the sidewalk in one way or another.

Authorities in the Municipality of Tetovo are aware of this issue and have announced that inspections will be stepped up starting Monday. An awareness campaign has also been announced.

The mayor of the Municipality of Tetovo, Bilall Kasami, said he would cooperate with the municipal inspectorate to remove any obstacle restricting citizens’ freedom of movement. According to him, the municipality takes measures continuously, and inspectors are in the field every day to address this problem.

Kasami stressed that during daily travel around Tetovo, it is evident that citizens place various types of goods and equipment outside, blocking passage. He added that the inspectorate intervenes to remove them and, in certain cases, confiscates both the goods and the equipment obstructing the way.

When a sidewalk is occupied without a permit or when the limits of the approved space are exceeded, the inspectorate may order the removal of the equipment and impose penalties. Cases have also been documented in which establishments were given a deadline to remove tables and chairs illegally placed on the sidewalk. /tv21