For years, residents of Laknas, Kamëz have lived alongside growing piles of waste, watching as their riverbanks and open spaces became illegal dumping grounds. Some tried to report the problem. Others simply adapted, forced to live with the pollution.
But how bad was the situation? And more importantly, who was responsible, and what could be done about it?
To answer these questions, RESU conducted an in-depth assessment of waste management in Laknas, gathering first-hand data from residents, businesses, and field observations. The findings were clear: this wasn’t just a pollution problem—it was a crisis that affected health, the environment, and the quality of life.
The study was conducted as part of the MELI Project, supported by Leviz Albania and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and aimed to use data as a tool for advocacy and change.
Illegal Dumping – A Growing Threat
Through on-site mapping and surveys, the assessment identified 11 illegal dumping sites across Laknas. These were classified into two types:
- “Source” dumping sites – Areas where families and businesses regularly disposed of waste.
- “Non-source” sites – Areas where the river itself carried waste from upstream, creating uncontrolled landfills along the riverbanks.
Most of these sites contained a dangerous mix of waste, including:
♻ Household trash – Plastics, glass, and food waste.
🏗 Construction debris – Broken bricks, cement, and metal scraps.
🛋 Bulky waste – Abandoned furniture, mattresses, and even car parts.
Even worse, intentional waste burning was observed in some locations—releasing toxic fumes and worsening air quality for local communities.
What Residents Had to Say
To understand the human side of the crisis, RESU interviewed 54 families and 12 businesses. Their responses painted a stark picture:
📌 79% of residents said they were deeply concerned about waste pollution.
📌 13.5% admitted to dumping waste into the river—not by choice, but because there were no collection services nearby.
📌 83% believed the Municipality of Kamëz was responsible for solving the issue, though many also recognized the need for personal responsibility.
One resident summed it up: “We don’t want to live like this, but what can we do if no one picks up our waste?”
A Silent Health Crisis
Beyond the visible pollution, the study revealed a hidden danger—contaminated water.
To assess drinking water quality, 10 well water samples were collected from local households. Every single one of themtested positive for bacterial contamination, showing unsafe levels of total coliforms.
🚱 The water was undrinkable.
🚨 Residents were unknowingly exposing themselves to serious health risks.
The community had been living with this problem for so long that many had stopped questioning it. This report changed that.
Businesses and Waste Collection – A Broken System
The study also focused on the role of local businesses, which contribute both to the economy and environmental footprint of the area.
🛒 Most businesses paid municipal waste collection fees—but in return, they received poor or inconsistent service.
🚛 Public bins were either missing or overflowing, forcing businesses to dispose of waste illegally.
💰 Despite paying fees, businesses felt the amount charged did not reflect the quality of waste management services provided.
A shop owner in the area said, “We’re paying, but nothing changes. Where is this money going?”
What Comes Next? From Research to Action
The findings of this assessment were not just numbers on a report—they were a call to action. The report was formally presented to the Municipality of Kamëz, with clear demands:
✅ Better waste collection services – Regular pickup, more public bins, and a strategy to reduce illegal dumping.
✅ Community-government dialogue – Residents need to be included in decision-making to ensure local solutions work.
✅ Enforcement of regulations – Stronger oversight on illegal dumping and stricter waste management policies.
A Turning Point for Laknas
This study forced local leaders to acknowledge the crisis. Shortly after its release, the Municipality of Kamëz took initial steps toward addressing the issue, including clearing some of the illegal dumping sites and forming a task force to monitor waste collection.
But the work isn’t finished. Waste pollution is not just a local issue—it’s a systemic failure that needs long-term solutions.
Through this research, RESU has proven that data is one of the most powerful tools for change. By gathering evidence, engaging communities, and pushing for action, a cleaner, healthier future is possible.
Because when communities speak up, decision-makers have to listen.