5 Maji residents told Euronews Albania that they’re living in fear of having their homes taken and destroyed due to state-ordered redevelopment projects.

They say that their homes are all they have and where they’ve invested all their life savings.

These will be the last 48 hours that Alti Hoxha, his wife and two children spend at home.

The building they’ve been living in for the past 30 years, will be demolished after the municipality decided to make it part of the Earthquake Reconstruction Project – which includes the reconstruction of buildings that have been presumably damaged by the 2019 earthquake.

“We’ve put 200 thousand euros into this home. Let them come and destroy the whole thing. I’m not taking down a single door or window,” – said a distressed Alti.

Another resident says that each dime he made as an immigrant was invested in his home.

Izvi Koci has come from Italy – where he currently works – only so that he can protect his home.

“They are forcing us to become thugs and criminals. They should know though that I’m not giving in so easily, I will protect [my home] with my own life,” – he said.

Other residents look desperate and it seems like they’ve lost all hope as they’ve already started to move out and transfer their things.

Serian Alikaj is another 5 Maji resident, who says that even though he didn’t agree with the demolition, he has nonetheless begun moving his things.

“I will show my power somehow on election day. That’ll be the day I say what I have to say through my vote,” – he warned.

On January 19, the City Hall began a demolition project that is expected to take down around 500 homes located at the 5 Maji neighborhood in Tirana.

Residents have asked for transparency and clarity about what will happen to their properties and their homeownership rights.

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