Feasibility Study and Detailed Design for Improvement of Flood Protection Infrastructure in Albania

This WBIF technical assistance grant has financed the preparation of the feasibility study to assist the Government of Albania in preparing long-term land protection investment planning and ensuring better flood control and management.

The study provided comprehensive details on river characteristics together with population distribution and human activities in the affected area. The characteristics of floods were assessed through hydraulic flood impact models and flood response measures to avoid damage were proposed. The study prepared a mid-term cost-effective priority plan for interventions in flood control along the river in order to reduce flood risks; the infrastructural and institutional measures for more successful flood management were also outlined. The study indicated that unless necessary improvements are made, flooding could affect around 10,000 people and cause over €11 million in damage.

The feasibility study has outlined the main points for action:

• Regulation of the river bed and banks, for a 12 km stretch, by constructing and/or rehabilitating longitudinal embankments, weirs and cross panels along the rivers in the Mati River basin;
• Rehabilitation of flood protection infrastructure which protects 80,000 ha of agricultural land;
• Protection of urban area assets (buildings, vehicles, etc.) and infrastructure (roads, bridges, water and wastewater networks) in the Mati River basin which has a catchment area of 2,441 km².