On April 19, 2022, a crucial meeting took place at Kamëz Municipality—one that could change the way waste management is handled in Laknas.
For years, illegal dumping had polluted the Ishmi River and surrounding areas, impacting the health and daily lives of local residents. Community frustration had grown, but action from local authorities had been slow. That’s why RESU stepped in—not just to raise awareness, but to bring solid data and demand accountability.
This meeting was part of the MELI Project, supported by Leviz Albania and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Its purpose was clear: to present RESU’s in-depth waste management report and push for real solutions.
Bringing the Problem to the Decision-Makers
Leading the RESU team, Executive Director Oljam Dervishi and advocacy expert Anila Salianji sat down with Mayor Rakip Suli and senior officials from various municipal departments.
The message was direct:
📌 Illegal dumping is out of control.
📌 The community is suffering.
📌 We have the data to prove it.
Using field research, surveys, and first-hand testimonies, RESU presented the key findings from its Assessment Report on Waste Management in Laknas:
- 11 illegal dumping sites were identified.
- Water samples from 10 household wells showed bacterial contamination.
- Residents overwhelmingly placed responsibility on the municipality.
The Municipality’s Response
Faced with undeniable evidence, municipal leaders acknowledged the severity of the issue. They agreed on two immediate actions:
✔ A joint cleanup action – The municipality would partner with RESU to remove one of the largest illegal dumping sites on Earth Day (April 22, 2022).
✔ A long-term plan – The municipality committed to closing and rehabilitating all 11 illegal waste sites in Laknasand increasing waste collection efforts.
From Talk to Action
Just three days after the meeting, the first cleanup action took place, bringing together local authorities, residents, and youth activists to remove nearly 5 tons of waste from the Ishmi Riverbanks.
By early May, the Municipality of Kamëz formed a task force to continue the cleanup efforts—a direct result of RESU’s advocacy work.
A Win for Civic Engagement
This meeting was more than just a discussion. It proved that when data meets public pressure, change is possible.
But the work isn’t over. RESU will continue to:
🔹 Monitor the municipality’s progress on its cleanup commitments.
🔹 Hold decision-makers accountable for long-term solutions.
🔹 Push for better waste management policies that prevent illegal dumping from happening again.
This is just the beginning. Advocacy works. Data matters. And communities have the power to make governments move.