The candidate for Mayor of Fushë Kosova from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Rrahim Tërnava, spoke in an interview with KosovaPress about his plans and vision for the city of Fushë Kosova. He presented the main projects of his electoral program, including urban transformation of the city, improvement of road infrastructure, easing traffic, economic development, and active involvement of youth and civil society.
He stated that his main priority is investment in infrastructure, emphasizing easing traffic as well as the construction of a motor train that will connect Fushë Kosova with Prishtina.
Tërnava also mentioned the development of industrial zones around the city center, highlighting Fushë Kosova’s strategic location near the capital as an opportunity for storage, production, and attracting investments from both local and foreign companies.
“Yes, our main priority is investment in infrastructure, easing road traffic by upgrading two side roads near the railway, a road that facilitates traffic to the main road connecting to Prishtina, and another road along the river… which eases the right side of the city with the Fushë Kosova-Prishtina line, then a motor train that eases road traffic, allowing citizens to use it from the train station, which has small sub-stations on Hajrullah Zymi Street and Pajazit Islami Street to reach Prishtina at the Youth Palace station, reducing car use and easing traffic. These measures make traffic flow easier, and by easing traffic, citizens can move more freely and work more without losing time in traffic as happens today. Then there are other roads leading to industrial zones we have planned around the city center, which is a major opportunity for investors because it is very close to the capital and offers significant potential for storage of goods from other cities, various production opportunities, and overall, Fushë Kosova has excellent conditions and is geographically very close to the capital, offering investment opportunities in production and various products,” he said.
In the economic plan, he presented a support program for youth through startups, providing grants of 10,000 euros for new businesses. The program initially targets 50 businesses in the first year, gradually increasing to 100, 150, and 200 over the four-year term. He believes Fushë Kosova has sufficient human and professional capacities to support this development due to the large population living and working in the municipality.
“To create economic development, we have planned to allocate several grants, especially for the younger generations, as outlined in our program. In our program, we plan to distribute around 50 startup grants for new businesses, particularly for youth, increasing to 100 in the second year, 150 in the third year, and 200 in the fourth year, with each startup receiving around 10,000 euros. This is beneficial because the younger generation has ideas and employment opportunities. What is good in Fushë Kosova is that we do not face difficulties in finding workers or professionals because Fushë Kosova has many citizens from all over Kosovo. The municipality has grown to 70,000 residents, providing us with enough people to open opportunities for citizens to work more and grow the economy. A city develops when it has people, and we have people and will make the change,” he said.
In terms of education and professional development, Tërnava announced plans to build a new vocational school where youth will be trained in trades and directly connected to the local job market. He also mentioned plans for an auxiliary stadium and the operationalization of football schools, where coaches will be employed by the municipality, promoting sports development and creating new jobs.
“In the economic development department, we have experienced staff in project writing, responding to demands, and market needs. For example, in Fushë Kosova we have areas that can be released for investors and public property that is state-owned, allowing investors to come to Fushë Kosova, directly impacting the employment of young generations in those large companies. There are also other spaces where, with the construction of the auxiliary stadium and the football schools, we can directly employ coaches in the Fushë Kosova football school. In education, we will have the new vocational school, allowing young people who want to pursue vocational training to have a job market in the city upon graduation. Our goal is for young generations who finish school, who study, to stay in Fushë Kosova, develop the city together, and raise the standard of living,” emphasized Tërnava.
In this context, he also announced the construction of a new cultural center that will serve as a platform for young talents and for organizing various activities and festivals.
Among the major projects he considers a test for the city’s future is the construction of the largest square in Kosovo, stretching from the roundabout to Uglar Street. According to him, this square will host cultural events and large concerts, uniting the city and creating a new urban center.
“With the large square we will build from the roundabout to Uglar Street, which will be the largest square in Kosovo, it is a very challenging project. Regardless of who manages the Fushë Kosova municipality, I believe this square must be realized because it is essential for the municipality, uniting the city and becoming the largest square in Kosovo. It will allow organizing any type of festival. With 1.35 km of space, it is possible to host any high-level concert where thousands of people can attend,” he said.
Finally, Tërnava expressed his confidence that with leadership, determination, and his team, he will deliver the change expected by the citizens of Fushë Kosova, working together with all residents and surrounding villages.
“Rrahim Tërnava has demonstrated leadership, determination, and seriousness in his projects and proposals, showing that he is ready and has the courage, knowledge, and team to lead the municipality of Fushë Kosova. Together with the citizens of Fushë Kosova, we will bring the change to our city and municipality along with the surrounding villages, so that we can live better,” said Tërnava.
Local elections will be held on October 12, where citizens of all municipalities in Kosovo will vote for their mayors and municipal assembly members.
“Together with the citizens of Fushë Kosova, we will bring the change to our city and municipality along with the surrounding villages, so that we can live better,” said Tërnava.
Local elections will be held on October 12, where citizens of all municipalities in Kosovo will vote for their mayors and municipal assembly members.
