Malisheva, 12.08.2025 – The Caretaker Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, attended the inauguration ceremony marking the completion of renovation works on the multi-apartment social housing building in the Municipality of Malisheva, which accommodates 25 families.

The inauguration took place as part of the project “Implementation of Energy Efficiency Measures for Multi-Apartment Social Housing Buildings”. With a total investment of €192,147.00, the renovation included external insulation, replacement of windows and doors, thermal insulation of roofs, installation of a new heating system, installation of an intercom system and fire protection measures.

The project is implemented by the Kosovo Energy Efficiency Fund and is supported by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, through financial support from the European Union (90%) and municipal participation (10%).

Minister Rizvanolli emphasized that the 25 families residing in this building, including three female-headed households, will benefit from a healthier living environment, free of mold, warmer during winter, and cooler in summer, thereby fostering a healthier and more dignified quality of life.

Rizvanolli further affirmed that, following the recent investments in this multi-apartment social housing building, electricity consumption is projected to decrease by 79%.

She noted that the 2022 request to the European Union, aimed at addressing the energy crisis, received a prompt and understanding response, accompanied by excellent cooperation in the project’s design phase. “Our Government’s objective has been to reduce energy consumption across all sectors, both households and businesses, while remaining attentive to ensuring that our interventions specifically benefit the most vulnerable segments of society”, Rizvanolli emphasized.

In addition to Minister Rizvanolli, the ceremony was attended by the EU representative in Kosovo, Alessandro Bianciardi, the Managing Director of the Kosovo Energy Efficiency Fund, Driton Hetemi and the Mayor of Malishevë, all of whom expressed their satisfaction with the completion of the works and the creation of better living conditions for the residents of this building.

As part of the energy efficiency reform in Municipality of Malisheva, beyond the renovation of the multi-apartment social housing building, 142 families have been supported with grants for home insulation, under a budget exceeding €541,000.

An investment of €1.6 million has been directed toward renovating 7 public buildings, including six schools and the “Habib Zogaj” Sports Hall, resulting in approximately 65% energy savings and substantially enhanced learning environments.

Furthermore, an investment of €96,000 has been made to connect seven schools to high-speed internet via KREN, thereby fostering new opportunities for education and the advancement of knowledge.