FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The blockage of road axes connecting the southeast with the rest of the country is having a direct impact on the economic activity of the area. The difficulties in circulation have affected the supply chain and distribution of goods, creating additional costs for businesses and consumers.
Traders are complaining about significantly longer transport times due to diversions and movement restrictions. According to them, this has led to delays in supplies and increased transport costs, which are also being reflected in the final prices of products.
One of the traders describes the situation as extremely difficult, emphasizing that delays are frequent and that, if the road is not opened soon, they may be forced to cease activity.
"There are as many delays as you want. There are cases where supplies are delayed. With the blockade that occurred, it is a disaster. If the road is not opened, we will be forced to take a break ," says one of the traders.
"It has affected us a lot, it doesn't get any worse than that. We don't even travel from Gramsh at all, only from Përmeti-Tepelena. It's a very long road. The cost is double. This has also affected the cost of the products we sell. If costs increase, prices will also increase. There are not many products in number. The road takes 12 hours to go there and back. There is a lot of traffic because it is the only alternative route. If this continues, we will be out of work," says another.
The consequences have also been felt in the tourism sector. Tour operators in Korça and Pogradec report numerous cancellations of reservations at hotels and guesthouses, while food service businesses report a significant drop in daily turnover.
According to representatives of this sector, the uncertainty in traffic and the extension of travel times, especially from the Gramsh area, have caused some visitors to give up on planned trips. One of the tour operators claims that about 70 percent of reservations have been canceled, while revenues have suffered a significant decline in recent days. He adds that the recurring situation of infrastructure problems is damaging the tourist season.
"70 percent of reservations have been canceled, the same in the restaurant. There has been a drop in income these days. The roads need to be fixed, it's the third time this season that it's happened," says one of them.
Entrepreneurs warn that if the situation continues, some businesses may face closure due to high costs and the inability to cope with delays in supply and additional transportation costs.
Lini një Përgjigje