The implementation of zoning plans in informal areas and the possibilities of public-private partnerships in Albania C.H.G. Dirks Master thesis planologie (urban and regional planning) Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen (Nijmegen School of Management) Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen (Radboud University Nijmegen) October 2014 Preface 2 Preface The implementation of zoning plans in informal areas and the possibilities of public-private partnerships in Albania Colophon Author : Carl Henri Gerard Dirks Student number : 4265637 Email address : [email protected] Date : October 2014 Institution : Radboud University Nijmegen Faculty : Nijmegen School of Management Study : Urban and regional planning (planologie) Supervisor : Dhr. Prof. Dr. Erwin van der Krabben Second reader : Dhr. Prof. Dr. Peter Ache 3 Preface Preface This thesis counts as the conclusion of my MSc program urban and regional planning at the Radboud University Nijmegen. Through my internship at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Committee of Housing and Land Management, I became acquainted with the situation in Albania. This thesis aims to contribute to the knowledge of urban development aspects of transition in post-communist countries. I am happy that CO-Plan Albania has offered me the optimal environment to conduct this research. There are many people I would like to thank. People that contributed to the process of completing this thesis. My family for their unconditional support. My supervisor dr. Erwin van der Krabben for his support and faith in my process and the opportunity to intern at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, thanks to his connections. Doris Andoni, Gulnara Roll and Michael Milligan of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Committee of Housing and Land Management Doris Andoni, Kris Andoni and the family for giving me a head start in Albania. All the people interviewed (in order of time): Sotir Dahmo, Jaap Boomsma, Dritan Shutina, Anila Gjika, Zenel Bajrami, Ulrike Bega, Besnik Aliaj, Kristaq Qirko, Arbi Shehu, Redi Basha, Ilir Hysa, Vladimir Malkaj, Eno Ngjela, Pieter Smeets, Saskia Ruijskink and Peter Nientied. For their help: Besmira Dyca, Olesja Lami, Berend van Bon, Mario Shllaku, Ledio Allkja, Gilles Bauwens, Linde-Kee van Stokkum, Anxhela Shehu, Elona Golemi and Enisa Shehu. Co-Plan Institute for Habitat Development (Tirana) for providing me with a work space, expertise and inspiring environment. POLIS University Tirana (Ledio Allkja) for providing me my first experience as a lecturer. Reinier Folkers for helping me with the lay-out of my thesis report. Carl Henri Gerard Dirks October 2014 4 Abstract Abstract Albania is a country in transition, since the fall of communism in 1992. Due to a massive spree of migration since, certain cities have grown considerably in population. The Albanian government could not provide sufficient housing, leading to the existence of extensive informally built neighborhoods. Since the start of the 2000s, efforts are made to successfully formalize these areas. This research consists of two parts; research is done to the possibility of implementing zoning plans and building regulations in these areas, followed by research to the possibility of using public-private partnerships to make zoning possible. In answering this, good governance is an overarching value. This research aims to contribute to knowledge on the urban development issues in post-communist/socialist transition countries. Through qualitative research, general answers to the questions are presented. Lacking education and knowhow and political interests at the local government level are identified as the main aspects linked to challenges with the implementation of zoning plans in informal settlements. Where one could expect a lack of knowhow at the local government level being a good reason for commencing in PPP, results in this thesis show a lack of knowhow makes working with PPP more difficult, due to unbalanced relationships between the public and the private sector. As overarching themes, funding at the local government level, and political, societal and anthropological features are identified. However working with zoning plans and PPP is technically possible, as there is a sounds legal framework for it, there are other factors blocking successful use of these tools. These have to do with lacking education at the local government level and political interests. Essentially this is linked with the financial situation of local governments and the societal, political and anthropological context in the country. This research can specify questions and hypotheses for future research and defines research scopes for doing so. The general nature of the research allows for more specific research in the future. 5 Figures and tables Figures and tables Figures: Figure 1: Conceptual design ............................................................................................................................................................... 14 Figure 2: Map of Albania .................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 3: PPP models for area planning ...................................................................................................................................... 36 Figure 4: Model of East or Central European socialist city ................................................................................................. 45 Figure 5: lacking urban planning; new infrastructure not aligned with existing infrastructure ....................... 49 Figure 6: Location of Bathore in the Tirana Metropolitan Area ....................................................................................... 52 Figure 7: Location of Keneta in the Durrës Metropolitan Area ......................................................................................... 52 Figure 8: Outlined in the red the informal development in Bathore, left 20014 and right 2012 ....................... 53 Figure 9: Informal villas in Keneta, Durrës, accessed by dirt roads ................................................................................ 53 Figure 10: Functions and responsibilities of Albanian municipalities and communes .......................................... 58 Figure 11: Komuna e Parisit neighborhood in southwest Tirana in 2002 (upper) and 2013 (lower) ............ 73 Figure 12: Komuna e Parisit neighborhood. ............................................................................................................................. 74 Tables: Table 1: General Info Albania ........................................................................................................................................................... 16 Table 2: Local government expenditures, their origins, and proportion of government expenditures and total GDP ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 78 6 Table of contents Table of contents Preface ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Abstract ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Figures and tables ................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 1. The research ................................................................................................................................................................................ 10 1.1 Research Topic and Aim ................................................................................................................................................... 10 1.2 Research Questions and Hypotheses .......................................................................................................................... 13 2. Country Information ............................................................................................................................................................... 16 2.1 General Information ........................................................................................................................................................... 16 2.2 Geographical and Political History of Albania ........................................................................................................ 17 3. Analysis and explanation of key research themes ................................................................................................ 22 3.1 Historical background of informal settlements ..................................................................................................... 22 3.2 Features of Informal Settlements ................................................................................................................................. 23 3.3 Dead Capital ........................................................................................................................................................................... 27 3.4 Approaches towards