Struga Municipality faces major revenue losses from expired beach concessions

The Municipality of Struga is facing significant financial losses due to the unregulated status of its lakeside beaches. Mayor Mendi Qyra reports that the municipality is losing at least 500,000 euros annually because beach management contracts expired in 2016. Currently, many beach operators are functioning without valid concessions and are not paying compensation to the municipality.

In addition to the loss of revenue, the shoreline has seen uncontrolled urbanization, with various permanent structures being built on public spaces. Mayor Qyra has been seeking a legal solution since March to regulate the shoreline and end the unauthorized use of public areas. He has proposed managing the beaches through municipal decisions to allow for urban service usage.

Mite Stefoski, Chairman of the Municipal Council and a VMRO-DPMNE advisor, noted that the issue is complex and has accumulated over a decade. He emphasized that resolving the situation requires cooperation and consultation with state institutions rather than just a decision to collect revenue. The lack of a finalized Law on Beaches continues to contribute to the chaotic management of coastal areas in both Struga and Ohrid.