Trebenishtë–Qafë Thanë Highway Still Without a Final Route

The construction of the Trebenishtë–Qafë Thanë highway remains in the plans, while the exact route of the project is expected to be determined in the future.

The Ministry of Transport says alternatives to bypass Struga are being considered, following UNESCO’s remarks regarding the archaeological site. However, according to authorities, these discussions do not call into question the construction of the highway.

“The highway connection route will be chosen based on the most optimal parameters, taking into account UNESCO’s remarks as well as full coordination among institutions, with the aim of implementing the recommendations. During the recent visit to Macedonia by senior UNESCO representatives, this project was discussed, as well as the future railway link with Albania,” the Ministry of Transport said.

Citizens interviewed say the most suitable option would be the direct construction of the highway from Trebenishtë to Qafë Thanë. According to them, an old road previously existed in that direction, which would facilitate the project’s implementation.

“To talk about an alternative or a second solution, for me it’s madness. The best would be the natural solution, because the space exists, while institutions have to solve the problems related to archaeological excavations. Let them show the citizens of Struga what the alternative is and what the second solution is,” one citizen declared.

However, some residents are skeptical and do not think the highway will ever be built.

One of the alternative options, previously announced by the Minister of Transport, foresees a connection with the Kërçovë–Ohër highway. In that case, the road would not go from Trebenishtë towards Podmolje, through Struga and on to Qafë Thanë./Alsat/