UNMIK/PR/1258
PRISTINA – PDSRSG Larry Rossin today visited the KEK “Kosovo A” power plant and toured the Mirash mine. The PDSRSG then met with Mr. Ismet Hashani, the President of the Municipal Assembly in Obilic, with whom he exchanged views on the challenges facing Hade village and on steps to encourage the return to Obiliq/Obilic of members of the Serb community displaced as a result of the March violence.
Mr. Rossin was accompanied during his tour by the Deputy SRSG for Pillar II, Mr. Francesco Bastagli; by Mr. Billy Richardson, KEK Executive Director for Generation; by Mr. Hamdi Gashi, Station Manager of “Kosovo A”; and by Mr. Paul Nelles, Acting Deputy KTA Managing Director for PoEs.
During his visit to "Kosovo A," the PDSRSG was briefed on current technical challenges facing KEK with regard to operations at "Kosovo A" and "Kosovo B," as well as the financial challenges facing the public utility. The PDSRSG noted the importance of reliable power supply for economic development in Kosovo. He praised the work being done by KEK's new management team to improve KEK's operations and planning, and emphasized with them that the rate of electricity bill collection must increase if KEK is to ensure vital maintenance, repairs and investment in the two power plants.
The PDSRSG then visited the Mirash lignite mine where he was briefed on operations. Mr. Rossin was able to confirm unmistakeably the dangerous situation of the village of Hade. Mr. Rossin then met the President of the Municipal Assembly Mr. Ismet Hashani, to discuss the crisis involving Hade village, which can collapse at any point into the mine due to the unstable and steep slope on which is precariously perched, to the onset of the rainy season, and to other factors undermining the village.
Talking to the media after his meeting with Assembly President Hashani, the PDSRSG commented, regarding Hade, that “a lot of work has been done within the government and the municipality, but our concern is that the government should take the responsibility to move people quickly, before a disaster occurs."