Air pollution in Pristina grows along with citizens' concerns about health

According to the American Embassy's measurements in the capital, between the hours before evening and the early morning the indicators draw red color, which shows that air is unhealthy.

The Pristina municipality also has 6 metres of air quality set in the same neighbourhood.

As long as the latter gets reports from these measures, citizens cannot be informed about air quality in their neighborhood, as the site intended for this issue is non-functional.

Despite the high level of air pollution, according to Polloologist Skender Baca, the situation is not yet alarming.

He adds that the number of patients during the winter season, due to air pollution, is small.

Meanwhile, in the municipality they say they have taken measures but add that their actions are limited.

Despite warnings of stopping the use of coal, the Ministry of Environment say no fine has been imposed, as there is still no written decision on it.

While acknowledging that the situation is not good, according to Matosh, the level of pollution in the capital is not much different from the countries of the region.

After saying that in institutions they manage have removed coal use, Tahiri added that they cannot impose such on citizens as well.

Without offering an alternative, according to the Trim Ilazi from the organisation “PEN”, no condition from state institutions.

The emphasis on implementing strategies has stalled, while the problem in the future will also present construction of the new thermal power plant.

Enhancing the Temoko network and planting trees in the capital would, according to him, play an important role in improving air quality.

Air quality, according to spokesman Tahiri, has also been a topic of discussion at the meeting of President Shpend Ahmeti, with Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj and Environment Minister Albena Resiti.