Inside Story / How the bones were loaded on the quarry trucks

The quarry opened in this area in the 70s when the construction of the new city of Kukës began, was used barbarically after the 90s, completely destroying the hill.

Without any license and without control, the construction companies of the area but also the residents themselves, took for about 2 decades what they could by turning it into a living proof of greed for nature.

Several years ago, the excavations were fatal for five young people from the surrounding villages who remained under the rocks of Bicajve hill, as a result of the collapse.

“Accidents also happened, five young people died and I was the one who helped them, I gave them first aid and transported them to the hospital” said the Chief of Bicaj village

But this tragedy did not stop neither the residents nor the various firms from stopping the destruction of the area. The greed to get the precious stones of this hill had no limit even when it comes to the dead.

These are the cemeteries of the First World War. But no one cared that they were not harmed. Along with the stones, in the trucks of inerts, the remains of the dead were also loaded.

“When the trucks with inerts were unloaded in Has, along with them came the bones of the dead” said Arben Palushi, Municipality of Kukës

Paradoxically, the disappearance of Bicaj hill happened in the eyes of everyone, residents and institutions. All institutions of the administrative unit Bicaj are built at the foot of this hill, which is currently turned into an abyss

The massacre has not stopped even when it comes to the security perimeter of the school, kindergarten or other institutions of this administrative unit.

As you can see from these Inside Story views the kindergarten is located on the edge of the abyss created by the quarry.

The excavations for the limestone have come around the 9-year school of Bicaj, where about 200 students study, endangering their lives.

“I have children at risk, they pass by them every day. “Who keeps them from approaching the ruins,” said the mayor of Bicaj village

Closed in 2015, what is left of the quarry is no less threatening. In many cases, the cattle of the inhabitants of the area have ended up in the abyss created by man.

Local government leaders are aware of the danger that has come to their doorstep, but the administrative center has its hands tied and can not do anything for rehabilitation.

“With as much funds as we had we have placed danger warning signs, but they have also been removed from the residents” said Granit Bilali, Administrator / Bicaj

However, according to them, the solution can be found, but a lot of money is needed ‘.

“It can be turned into a sports field, but the problem is the ownership titles that are numerous” said Granit Bilali, Administrator / Bicaj