The Italian Ambassador in Albania, Fabrizio Bucci has announced that the opening of two new asylum processing centers – being built at two locations in Albania following an agreement with the Italian government – has been delayed "by a few weeks" due to heat and unstable soil.

During a site inspection accompanied by media representatives, including ANSA, last week, Bucci shared updates on the facility in Gjader, a small town in Albania's interior.

"We had to install seven thousand reinforced concrete poles to consolidate the construction," he told journalists.

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'Delayed by unforeseen circumstances'

The opening was postponed, the diplomat explained, due to "unforeseen circumstances. First of all, we discovered friable soil where it was impossible to build a facility, forcing us to insert 7,000 reinforced concrete poles, nearly one meter in diameter, almost 13 meters underground." This work lasted nearly two months, the ambassador said.

Additionally, the construction faced challenges due to high temperatures, exceeding the seasonal average, Bucci added.

"The construction sites adhered to Italian regulations, which prohibit work during the hottest hours of the day. In recent weeks, we had to halt work from eleven in the morning until five in the afternoon."

While other center facilities are nearing completion and will be ready "in a few weeks," the welcome area is currently complete. This area will host asylum seekers at the center's core, surrounding a small patio with cement paving. Electricity poles have been installed, and the prefabricated sheds' modules, which will contain bedrooms for four people with bunk beds, closets, and a small table with four chairs, are in place.

Air conditioning will be provided in all areas, and the adjacent shed will contain showers.

The cafeteria, where Albanian staff will be employed for cleaning and transport services, is also ready.

"All cafeteria supplies will be purchased from local companies, generating a local economic boost in the entire area. Hundreds of people will be hired directly and indirectly," explained the Italian ambassador.

Also read: Migrant reception centers in Albania, operational soon

Perimeter wall nearly 5.5 meters high

The facility's perimeter, over two kilometers long, has been enclosed with cement walls and metal structures nearly 5.5 meters high.

The protocol between the two governments sets a maximum capacity of 3,000 people at the center. However, initially, it will accommodate only a few hundred, as "it's clear that they will not arrive all at once. They will arrive in phases. We are preparing based on these figures, and once launched, the center will operate at full capacity," underscored Bucci.

Meanwhile, at the Shengjin port hotspot, where initial inspections of migrants arriving by boat will occur, everything is ready to commence operations.

Armand Mero reporting for ANSA

Also read: Opening of Italian migrant centers in Albania delayed