Improvement of Flood Protection Infrastructure on Erzen-Ishem, Shkumbin, Seman and Vjosa Rivers

Albania’s rivers are particularly prone to flood risk, which effects are extended to 110,000 hectares of agricultural land. The largest floods have been concentrated in the low western area of the country, where the rivers diffuse into the sea. Massive flooding of rivers Drini-Buna, Mati, Erzen-Ishem, Shkumbin, Semanand Vjosa, have been recorded in 1962, 1971, 1976, 1979, 1986 and 1992, 2003, 2015, 2017 and February 2018. Consequently, the existing dikes and the riverbanks on both sides of the rivers were inundated and overflown.

In order to mitigate and prevent the negative effects of flooding, this project seeks to increase the level of flood protection management in Albania to prevent damages to human health, flora, fauna and the economy. Specifically, the project entails the construction/rehabilitation of longitudinal embankments, weirs and cross panels along rivers Erzen-Ishem, Shkumbin, Seman and Vjosa. The feasibility study and environmental impact assessment are being developed through a €2 million WBIF TA grant, as well as support to the project implementation unit.

The project is expected to generate several socio-economic and environmental benefits for farmers and general population in Albania, including: