The overall length of the road network in Albania is about 15,500 km, comprising 3,400 km of national roads and about 12,000 km of secondary and local roads. The priority given to the expansion of the national road network has resulted in the inadequate maintenance of the majority of the local roads. Only a small number of sections have been paved and about 75-80% of the system has been in poor or very poor condition. Moreover, a number of road sections have been impassable for parts of the year and hence access to essential services, primarily health and education has been restricted. This state of the Albanian road network has hindered economic growth as difficult transport conditions represent a barrier to private sector development in rural areas, with a direct impact on agricultural competitiveness.
As a response, the Albanian authorities have initiated a multi donor-programme for the rehabilitation of 1,500 km of secondary and rural roads in Albania aiming to facilitate the people's connections with markets, health and education services, and thus contribute to economic development.
WBIF contributed to the rehabilitation of about 500 km of regional and local roads through a €4 million grant to assist with the management and supervision of works.
