Controlled demolition removes illegal 3-storey seafront building in Vlora

The National Inspectorate for the Protection of Territory (IKMT) on Saturday carried out a controlled demolition of a three-storey, unpermitted building in Vlora’s Uji i Ftohtë area, on the seafront near the Vlora–Orikum road. Authorities said 32 kilograms of explosives were used to bring down the reinforced-concrete structure.

Why is this important: The action forms part of a nationwide drive—underway for nearly a month—to free public spaces. The campaign began in Theth, where more than ten unlicensed wooden cabins in the heart of the tourist village were cleared. The Prime Minister has said the crackdown on illegal construction and encroachment will remain constant throughout the new governing mandate.

Context: The Prime Minister predicted Friday’s demolition on Thursday, posting images of the building, writing: “With these images from the confrontation with the illegality that harms and disfigures the spaces where we live together as sons and daughters of this country, and where we will, without fail, write the last chapter of the battle against constructions without permits or in violation of permits, I wish you a very good week.”

In his virtual update, he also gave a tally of priority sites for clearance: “1,800-plus spots that need to be cleared have been identified.”

He warned of legal sanctions for any institutions that “closed their eyes” to such illegality and said the campaign will follow a detailed plan to clearly set the boundary between private interests and public space. According to the Prime Minister, “Urban Renaissance 2.0” is not a summer-only push, and the measures do not amount to an attack on enterprise but are part of a national process to establish clear and fair rules for all.

What next: The Vlora demolition follows a string of removals in protected and high-value public areas, with IKMT and local authorities coordinating site checks, permitting reviews, and enforcement. Officials say further actions will continue along the coast and in urban centers, focusing on structures built without permits or in breach of granted permits, and on the release of occupied sidewalks, waterfronts, and community spaces.