Podujeva declares emergency over worsening waste‑collection crisis

The municipality of Podujeva announced a state of emergency effective from 5 August to 5 November 2026 because of a severe waste‑management problem. Mayor Shpejtim Bulliqi said that the accumulation of garbage has intensified in both urban areas and surrounding villages after the regional waste operator “Pastrimi” could no longer provide service and transferred its responsibilities to the private firm “Natyra”. The mayor warned that the situation threatens public health, especially with the presence of migrants in the area.

The Emergency Staff for Protection and Rescue will draft and implement an operational plan to collect, transport and dispose of the waste. It will fast‑track procurement of three waste‑collection trucks and drivers, intensify inspections to prevent illegal dumps, and allocate budget funds to finance the emergency measures. The decision is backed by reports from the Directorate of Public Services, the Protection and Rescue Directorate, the Inspection Directorate and the Family Medicine Center.