Stakeholder engagment activities started for FLOWS Desivocja Multifunctional Dam project
The public consultation process has officially begun for the new Desivojca Multifunctional Dam, a major strategic infrastructure project for Kamenica and the wider Anamorava region. The initial meeting took place at the "Oda e Fshatit" community center in Upper Shipashnica as part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) organized by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning through the World Bank-supported FLOWS Project. iRN acts as a local sub-contractor, responsible for social components of the project, including organization of stakeholder engagement activities.
Key Highlights:
Strategic Impact: The dam is designed to secure a sustainable water supply for Kamenica and surrounding areas through 2050, irrigate approximately 2,500 hectares of agricultural land, and provide flood protection along the Desivojca and Morava e Binçës rivers. It will benefit the municipalities of Kamenica, Ranilug, and Gjilan.
Leadership & Partnership: Kamenica Mayor Kadri Rahimaj emphasized that after years of discussions, concrete results are finally visible. He credited the central government, the Ministry of Environment, the World Bank, and international partners for making the multi-million investment possible, noting its long-term benefits for agriculture, the local economy, and tourism.
National Dam Strategy: Ministry representative Krenare Salihu noted that Desivojca is one of five multifunctional dams currently being developed across Kosovo in collaboration with domestic and international experts.
Preparation & Compliance: FLOWS Project Team Leader Vigan Syla explained that the project is still in the preparation phase. It complies with Kosovo legislation and World Bank Environmental and Social Framework standards. All citizen concerns, feedback, and questions gathered during this consultation will be documented and incorporated into subsequent planning stages.
Technical Standards: Hydrotechnical engineer Mumin Morina and Ministry representative Shyqeri Dërmaku highlighted that the Desivojca site is ideal for functioning as a major water reservoir and that the construction will strictly follow European and international dam safety standards.
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