Теtovo, 28 April 2026 – The Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Muamet Hoxha, attended and addressed a forum on the topic “Identification of Environmental Priorities of the Municipality of Tetovo,” organized by the NGO “Multikultura” from Tetovo, with the support of the Open Society Foundation – Western Balkans.
At the event, which brought together representatives of the central government, local self-government, and civil society, a systemic improvement of environmental protection in the Tetovo region was announced.
Bilall Kasami, the Mayor of the Municipality of Tetovo, also attended the forum.
At the forum, an important development at the local level was also announced—the Municipality of Tetovo will be the first municipality to take a systematic approach to this issue by establishing a dedicated unit for environmental protection within the local self-government.
“Such an example should be followed by other municipalities as well, because the national policies developed by the Ministry are implemented at the local level through the commitment of local self-government. Only through coordination between central and local authorities can they come to life and deliver results,” it was concluded in the address.
In his address to the attendees, Minister Hoxha clearly stated that the time for temporary solution is over and that the focus is on long-term and sustainable projects.
Tetovo and the wider Tetovo region have always faced serious environmental challenges that have lasted for decades. This is also why today I will not present any temporary solutions to you. Tetovo needs a system that will permanently resolve problems, but also maintain those solutions so that we do not repeatedly return to the same concerns,” emphasized the Minister.
As part of the concrete steps undertaken by the central government, the establishment of the “Rusino” regional waste management system was highlighted, with construction set to begin this year. Additionally, the start of construction of the wastewater treatment plant and the upgrading of the city’s water supply system have been announced for this year, while the protection of Sharr Mountain is being continuously strengthened.