Questions about the Church's stance on a construction project in Livadi, Himara

The property issue in Himara has been unresolved for decades. Despite the years that have passed since the fall of Enver Hoxha's regime, residents still find themselves without clear property titles, trapped in a murky and often contradictory institutional framework.

In recent years, a perception has become established in Himara that, as problematic as it is, seems to be confirmed in practice: that the ordinary resident cannot utilize his property unless he grants it to a powerful "investor" with the appropriate connections.

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Within this framework, the recent incident in the Gonia area, in Livadi of Himara, comes to further reinforce this image. On a slope just behind the chapel of Agios Markos, construction work has begun on a building covering an area of approximately 2,250 square meters. The area, as can be seen from available urban maps, is part of a protected zone and is located a very short distance from the sea.

Ακόμη πιο εντυπωσιακό είναι το γεγονός ότι η συνολική δόμηση φέρεται να φτάνει τα 6.280 τετραγωνικά μέτρα, με μέρος αυτής να εμφανίζεται ως υπόγεια λόγω της μορφολογίας του εδάφους. Πρόκειται για μια εξέλιξη που προκαλεί εύλογα ερωτήματα, ιδιαίτερα όταν την ίδια στιγμή οι κάτοικοι της περιοχής αδυνατούν εδώ και χρόνια να εξασφαλίσουν βασικά δικαιώματα επί των περιουσιών τους, ακόμη και για στοιχειώδεις παρεμβάσεις, όπως μια άδεια ανακατασκευής στέγης ή ανακαίνισης, πόσο μάλλον για άδεια ανέγερσης οικοδομής.

The company behind the project belongs to Shefki Karamuça, who previously served as mayor of the city of Vora. According to reports, during his term, a private project was started right next to the City Hall, while his company's staff was hired by the municipality. Shortly after, he was dismissed from his position as mayor.

The issue of ownership of the specific area also carries particular weight. As is widely known in the local community, the area is linked to properties of the Orthodox Church of Albania, another area that has remained open and unresolved for years. It is no coincidence that the return of the properties with clear property titles was a key priority for the late Archbishop Anastasios.

In recent days, in parallel with the resumption of work, information and rumors have been circulating about a possible agreement between the Church and the construction side. This information has not been confirmed and requires special attention. However, the fact that it is circulating alone shows the climate of uncertainty and distrust that has developed.

The reality of “two standards and two measures” is not new for the region. However, it is different when, at the same time, scenarios begin to circulate that even the Church may retreat or be led to compromises. In such an environment, uncertainty is not limited to one project, but affects the overall confidence of residents about the future of their properties.

Himara cannot tolerate any more disrespect or opacity. Its residents are not asking for preferential treatment, but for the obvious: clear rules, equal treatment, and respect for their property.

At this juncture, it is necessary to have clear answers. From the competent authorities regarding the legality of the work, but also a clear position from the Church, so as to clarify the real picture and leave no room for interpretations that fuel uncertainty and tarnish the Church itself and its leadership.