The “Gjorica Solar Park” project has prompted residents of Gjorica e Poshtme to protest, as they say it threatens their pastureland and source of livelihood. Police intervened, and several people were escorted to the police station, while the subcontractor stressed that it has a contract and a construction permit.

The start of work on the “Gjorica Solar Park” photovoltaic park in Gjorica e Poshtme, Bulqizë, was met with opposition from residents this Saturday, who blocked work on land they consider the village’s common pastureland, Albeu.com reports.

The clash between residents and representatives of the subcontracting company led to the intervention of the Bulqizë Police. Following the tensions, several residents and the subcontractor’s representative were escorted to the police station to provide explanations.

At the center of the conflict is the use of an area measuring 42.5 hectares, which residents claim has been used for generations to graze livestock. They oppose the way the “Gjorica Solar Park” project was presented and say that occupying this area would directly harm their families’ livelihoods.

Residents: “They told us one hectare, now it’s turning out to be 40”

According to the residents, during the initial stage they were asked to agree to the use of around one hectare of land. Later, they say, they learned that the area involved was many times larger.

“They told us it was one hectare, but now it’s turning out to be 40 hectares. They’re driving us out; we have nowhere to take our livestock,” one of them said.

The residents say that hundreds of livestock graze in the area. One of them cited around 800 animals, raising concerns that fencing off the land for the installation of the panels would deprive them of the space on which their livestock activity depends.

According to the community, the area has been used as common pastureland for more than 200 years.

The residents say that more than 80 heads of household have signed their opposition to the use of the land they call “the village’s mera,” or communal pastureland.

The opposition has also been accompanied by steps toward legal representation. On April 17, 2026, a group of families signed a special power of attorney in Peshkopi, authorizing lawyers Adriatik Lapaj and Dorina Prethi to pursue administrative and judicial procedures related to the project.

The representation includes requesting institutional documentation for the 42.5-hectare area, attending meetings of the Bulqizë Municipal Council and pursuing the case in court.

READ ALSO: Residents ready to protest, Gjorica Solar Park project in doubt!

Residents: We have submitted the documents to SPAK

During the on-site protest, the residents said they had also turned to SPAK over the violations they allege in the project’s procedures and documentation.

One of them said that the institution had confirmed receipt of the documents.

However, the information presented contains no official confirmation that a criminal investigation has been launched or that violations have been established. The submission of documents by the residents does not, in itself, prove that their claims have been substantiated.

Company: We have the National Territorial Council’s permit; work will continue

The subcontractor’s representative defended the legality of the work, stating that the company has a contract with the investor and the relevant documentation.

“We are representatives of the company; we have a contract with the investor… attached to the contract is the National Territorial Council’s decision granting the construction permit,” he said.

According to him, the company had arrived to divide and fence off the area, while work is expected to continue in the coming days.

The “Gjorica Solar Park” project was approved by Decision No. 41, dated May 29, 2024, of the National Territorial Council. The technical documentation cited provides for an installed capacity of 40 MW and a total project area of around 401,000 square meters, or approximately 40 hectares. The panels will occupy more than 158,000 square meters, while associated electrical infrastructure is also planned.

For the residents, the concern remains the fate of the pastureland and the livelihoods of the families who depend on it. They warn that they will continue their on-site opposition and legal action until their claims are clarified.

“We, as people, as citizens, as villagers and as the owners of this land, will not leave,” one of them said. /albeu.com/

The post Clash in Gjoricë, residents block work on “Gjorica Solar Park”: They told us 1 hectare, now it’s 42.5! appeared first on Albeu.com.