Interview with the chairman of the district committee of the People’s Council of the Tirana district Lushnjë The situation has worsened especially in our district, but grain harvesting is continuing here at a high pace. What losses has the drought caused so far to the crops? How are yields affected? Agricultural workers are doing everything possible to cope with the difficulties created day by day. We put this question to the chairman of the Executive Committee of the People’s Council of the Lushnjë district, comrade Ilia Haxhi. He said: The harvesting of production, especially in cereals, is being clearly constrained by the unprecedented interruption of rainfall and the high temperatures. Unfortunately, no drop of rain has fallen for 4 months. This period was accompanied by extremely high temperatures, up to 39 and 40 degrees. We are assessing the damage by crop. For bread grains, the harvest is lower than last year. Nevertheless, by concentrating forces and equipment, we are making sure that not a single grain is left in the field. In the cooperatives and agricultural enterprises, work is being carried out at full capacity. In some areas, especially on non-irrigated land, the losses are greater. Gjirokastër The situation has worsened, especially in the mountain communes and cooperatives. Harvesting is being carried out on time, but the drought has significantly affected yields. In forage crops the damage is more pronounced. Agricultural workers and local authorities are coordinating actions to make use of every water source and to organize the distribution of forces as well as possible. There are areas where great efforts are being made to preserve the remaining production. Nevertheless, the situation remains serious and requires general mobilization. Flamur Çolli Dibër The crops in this district have suffered serious consequences from the lack of moisture and the high temperatures. In some agricultural units, expected output has been significantly reduced. However, organized work is being carried out to harvest on time, to collect and store the grain. Enterprises and cooperatives are using available water sparingly and are closely monitoring the condition of the crops. More support is needed for the most affected areas. Ferit Vejseli IN POGRADEC: Different methods even when reserves are scarce (Continued on page 2) The chief engineer of the Pogradec Agricultural Enterprise, Vangjel Ceka, notes that: "On 29 thousand hectares of agricultural land in the district, 10 percent of the area sown with wheat has been irrigated. On 2,800 ha of corn, more than 10 thousand irrigations have been carried out. This pace has not been interrupted even during the hottest period. We have set up special teams to inspect the canals and ensure proper use of water. In addition, we are carefully organizing the replacement of crops on some areas where the damage is irreversible. Overall, the situation is difficult, but with concentrated measures the consequences can be mitigated."

On the eve of the start of the new school year ? Complaints do not solve matters School, education and local government officials must take all measures for the normal start of the new school year. Shortcomings have been noted in the material base, in some school buildings, and in the organization of work for assigning pupils. These issues cannot be solved by complaints alone, but by concrete action. Repairs, provision of textbooks, and teacher preparation must be accelerated. In some areas there are still weaknesses in inventory, desks, and the supply of teaching materials. The education authorities and the people’s councils must react immediately to avoid obstacles on the first day of school.

UNDER THE “ARCH” OF A KONISPOL DAY Impressions Even amid threats, indifference and the noise of the city, the people of Konispol had been awake early. On the main road and in the square near the cultural center, movement was heavy. One after another, women with buckets and baskets, men with work tools, and children following the rhythm of the adults created the picture of an ordinary working day. In the small market there were fruit, vegetables and a little industrial merchandise. Conversations often turned to water, bread and the trip to Sarandë. There were complaints, but also a kind of silent patience. People did not speak loudly, but it was understood that they were thinking about tomorrow. I push in the direction of the processing enterprise. The workers had just started their shift. One says the material arrives late, another that transport is insufficient. Nevertheless, the work does not stop. An elderly man stands near the entrance and tells me that young people are more demanding, less patient, but also more ready for change. In the school the teachers are preparing the classrooms for the new year. In the clinic the doctor speaks about the shortage of medicines. In the cooperative they ask about irrigation and yields. All of this forms the arch of a Konispol day, where life goes on amid difficulties, but without completely losing hope.

! Concrete work for organizing services and entertainment? The beneficiaries are mainly young people, but not only them. 30 percent use of the beaches, 90 percent use of children’s holiday facilities, 70 percent attendance at cultural centers, and 80 percent of the drinking-water service network are achievements that speak of improvement. Work on services is being seen as an important part of everyday life in city and countryside. The workers are taking the recreational garden around, speaking without suspicion with the buyer of the coffee glass.