Change of population and demographic structures

The commune of Bushat has a population of 22.762 residents and 5.827 households1 concentrated in 14 villages: Bushat, Barbullush, Rranxa, Stajkë, Kosmaç, Ashtë, Melgushë, Plezhë, Shkjezë, Kukel, Sumëz, Fshati i Ri, Hoten and Konaj. Composition of the population according to number and gender is presented in the following graph:

In the last fifteen years, the number of the population has been almost stable, which shows that the number of those leaving the commune has been offset by those settling in the commune from other parts. The population is largely homogenous due to the small number of the new settlers. The incoming population can be put in two groups: those who settled at the time of the construction of the hydropower stations (due to the submerging of their homes by the HEC lakes) and those who settled in the area after the nineties. The incomers have contributed to the diversity of cultures and lifestyles. It should be pointed out that co-existence has always been exemplary. The commune has above 250 people with higher education, and the number of those with secondary education is very high.

Territorial planning

In the commune, as elsewhere in the country, transition created a number of problems. Among these, mention should be made of uncontrollable and extralegal buildings which hit the commune of Bushat, too. The main reason for people building in a chaotic and uncontrollable way was the need of the population for additional living space and the inability of the authorities to exercise control in the conditions of absence of a regulation plan. In order to manage the situation, to guide private initiative and respond to a growing need by the population for construction permits, the Commune authorities have launched the efforts to design the Territorial Regulation Plan. In addition to work from specialized working groups, the Plan has benefited from discussions with citizens and interest groups at the commune level. The plan accommodates housing needs, infrastructure works, public facilities, green belts, the green circlets of the villages, etc. The territorial plan and the Local Environmental Action Plan are mutually reinforcing and complementary to one-another and both promote development that is friendly to the environment and natural resources.