February 16, 2006

U.S. Embassy Completes Improvements to Water Distribution Network in Gjader, Lezhë

U.S. Ambassador Marcie Ries, Justice Minister and MP from Lezhe Aldo Bumçi, Deputy Minister of Public Order Ferdinand Pone, and Dajç Commune Chair Rrok Lini participated today in a dedication ceremony marking the completion of a U.S. Embassy project to improve the water distribution network in Gjader village, District of Lezhe.

The project entailed reconstructing the existing potable water distribution system, which had been previously unserviceable due to inadequate pipelines originally installed in 1989. Most of the 2,500 people living in the village of Gjader had previously lacked potable water. The reconstruction of the pump station and main water distribution lines improved the quality of the water (sanitation and hygiene) and increased the supply of water through the distribution network. Costing almost $100,000, the project was funded by the United States European Command, through the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation.

The Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) manages the US Department of Defense’s Humanitarian Assistance program, providing direct humanitarian assistance to the Albanian people. This program has been active in Albania since 1996, providing supplies and rebuilding schools, medical facilities, developing water projects and many other non-military projects.

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