Albania’s justice minister UIsi Manja held a press conference to talk about the work of the Anti-Corruption Unit and placed particular emphasis on illegal buildings.

Minister Manja revealed that a process verifying construction permits issued by municipalities has been launched, adding that several violations were seen in the renovation of construction development permissions, especially in coastal areas.

“Municipalities must not extend construction permit deadlines issued a long time ago and that has not been developed within time limits”, declared Manja.

According to the justice minister, one of the main problems is verdicts coming from Administrative Courts which have taken exclusive competencies of mayors, or the National Council of the Territory, by resetting building permits that were issued since in 2005, however, had not been developed since then.

Minister Manja reiterated that the High Justice Inspector is engaged in pointing all violations related to territorial planning, as well as holding accountable those responsible.

“If we will detect violations, we will not hesitate to start legal proceedings against those responsible”, concluded the justice minister.