Denada Jushi
Built between 1986–1987, the Rubik's Bridge in Mirdita has today become a daily hazard for dozens of citizens who cross it to enter their town. Once a symbol of the connection between the villages and the city, today it has become a real threat to the lives of residents.
"There are huge holes in the middle of it, the damage is visible from here," says one of the residents who crosses the bridge every day to take their children to school.
Another resident adds with concern: "It needs to be fixed, it's been like this for many years. Now the trucks that often pass over it have made it even worse."
This bridge, which connects the southern side of Rubik with several surrounding villages, is the only node that connects residents to the National Road. But the supporting legs of the structure have come to the surface, are severely damaged and are leaning in several places, risking collapse on the Fan River. The lack of water in the riverbed during these months highlights the problem even more, clearly showing the extent of the damage.
On this issue, ACQJ contacted the mayor of Mirdita, Albert Melyshi, who says that since taking office he has requested the inspection of several bridges in the municipality's territory, as according to him, the Rubik's bridge is not the only one that poses a risk.
"From the beginning, we have requested a technical assessment of the bridge from the Albanian Road Authority. After some insistence, a hearing was held with the residents about this problem six months ago. But since then, we have not received any clarification on what will happen next," says Melyshi.
After communicating with the Municipality, ACQJ reached out to the Albanian Road Authority for comment, which confirmed that the bridge is included in a World Bank project.
"The Rubik's Bridge will be reconstructed within the framework of the World Bank project. We are currently in the technical opposition phase and will then continue with the procurement phase," the ARA's response states.
However, the residents of the area are still waiting. According to them, promises have been made many times, but nothing concrete has happened. Meanwhile, with each passing day, the bridge is getting more damaged.
The Mayor of Mirdita says that if the project does not start soon, he will seek alternative solutions, as he cannot allow residents to risk their lives at every crossing.
"We will look at other options to provide passage to residents, but this situation cannot last much longer," he declares.
Some time ago, another bridge in the area, Ura e Milotit, was closed due to damage, causing traffic difficulties, especially during the summer season. After that, the Pllanë–Rubik axis was used as an alternative route, and thus Ura e Rubikut became the main crossing node, necessary to avoid traffic in the area.
But its current state makes this joint increasingly dangerous.
In Rubik, the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Fan River, near the Church of St. Friday, is also in a serious state. Built in 1967, it has suffered serious damage and every day endangers the lives of residents who cross it on foot to go to work, school or the city center.
Local infrastructure experts list several main causes for the damage to these bridges:
1. Erosion, as a result of mismanagement of the Fan River bed;
2. Lack of repairs and maintenance over the years;
3. Allowing heavy tonnage vehicles, especially quarry trucks located near the bridge.
According to residents, the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent years. The passage of loaded trucks over a depreciated structure has accelerated the damage, while the lack of intervention has left the bridge at the mercy of time.
Although authorities are considering a restoration project in collaboration with the World Bank, the need for intervention is urgent. With each passing day, the risk of collapse increases, and with it the fear of residents who use the bridge as a way to get in and out of Rubik.
The residents of Rubik feel neglected by the state and institutions.
In this small town of Mirdita, where many families have chosen to stay despite emigration, a safe bridge is more than an infrastructural need; it is a condition for daily life.
Its reconstruction would not be simply a construction project, but a necessary act for the safety and dignity of the residents who remain in Rubik, amidst oblivion and promises that are not being fulfilled. /acq.to the
