Nearly 24 hours after the severe fire that destroyed a building in Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted by announcing that the building will be 100% rebuilt by the builder himself, even though according to preliminary data the cause of the fire is unrelated to the construction.
At first glance, the statement sounds like a guarantee for the affected families: the houses will be rebuilt and taxpayers will not pay for the damage. But behind this promise, a fundamental question remains: who is responsible?
The Prime Minister speaks of a “builder” who will take over the reconstruction, but does not mention his name. At the same time, Sali Berisha has also reacted to the issue by mentioning another name for the builder, which has only added to the public confusion. Thus, the figure of this builder remains in the fog, while the public does not receive any clear information.
But even if the building is rebuilt, this does not answer the most important questions.
Who has checked this building for fire safety standards?
Have the necessary inspections been carried out?
Which institutions have issued the relevant permits and certificates?
A building is not just a private investment. It is a space where families live, and therefore controlling safety standards is a public responsibility.
The statement that “the builder will rebuild it” may seem like a solution to the effect, but it is not an answer to the cause. Moreover, it creates the impression of a political solution to appease public opinion, without facing the chain of institutional responsibilities.
Ultimately, rebuilding apartments may restore walls, but it does not restore trust if it is not clarified what happened and who is responsible.
Otherwise, the history of this building risks remaining another case where the damage is repaired, but responsibility remains an orphan.
