Gostivar, 19 February 2026 (MIA) - The green turnaround will happen this year, in infrastructure, standards and results, said Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Muamet Hoxha at a promotion of heavy machinery procured within the regional project for solid waste management in the Rusino landfill near Gostivar on Thursday.

"This system finally puts an end to improvisations and permanently solves the problem that has troubled the citizens of Gostivar, Tetovo and other populated places in the Polog region for decades. There is no more time for partial solutions. The modern regional waste management system puts an end to illegal landfills, leading to a claner Polog," said Minister Hoxha.

According to him, the largest infrastructure reform in the waste management sector has been launched using a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

Swiss Ambassador Christoph Sommer said his country supports the improvement of waste management services in the Polog region, with several tasks set to be completed in the second stage of the project.

"First, the technical and tender documentation for rehabilitation of the Rusino landfill and the announcement of a tender by September. The tender for the transfer station in Tetovo should be released next month, in parallel with the tender for procurement of trucks, containers, and bins for the entire Polog region," said Sommer.

Gostivar Mayor Valbon Limani said the local authorities support the waste management project.

"For years, the Rusino landfill was a big challenge due to the high amounts of waste and limited technical capacities. The new equipment will increase its operational efficiency, improve environmental oversight and reduce the risk of pollution to the soil, the water and the air," said Limani.

Tetovo Mayor Bilal Kasami said the new equipment would ensure the implementation of environmental practices in line with European standards.

"This means less pollution, safer environment and better quality of life for our citizens. We see this project as part of a larger vision. A clean Tetovo is not only an issue of aesthetics but one of public health, civil responsibility and legacy for coming generations," noted Kasami.

Photo: MIA