The first meeting of the prefect’s advisory body highlighted the urgent needs for social protection in the county. The mayors of Pogradec and Kolonja submitted the request for the establishment of specialized centers for children with autism or Down syndrome, as well as for people with mental health disorders and disabilities.

The mayor of Pogradec, Ilir Xhakolli, described the need for a residential facility for the elderly at the county level as urgent. According to him, two separate buildings are needed: one for the care of people with disabilities and the other for the elderly. “A nursing home is needed for the entire county, to give parents security about their children’s future. There are elderly people who live alone and risk being completely forgotten. This cannot be supported by volunteers alone but requires proper structures. If the private sector can do this, why not the state as well?” he said.

For her part, prefect Florinda Zegullaj announced that the municipalities have proposed concrete solutions to improve social services. One idea is the creation of a joint-stock company where all six local units of the county would participate, with the aim of covering these services. Also, an appeal has been made to the government for investments in the refurbishment of existing buildings, considering that the number of cases is increasing and services are insufficient. The creation of special institutions for the elderly and individuals who are unable to integrate into society was also requested.

Throughout the southeastern part of the country, specialized centers are lacking, so local authorities are calling for immediate intervention from the government. They argue that requests for social assistance are increasing year by year, making it essential to create regional structures that provide long-term care for people with disabilities, the elderly, and children with special needs.

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