Andina Vllahiu, Rea Kryeziu, Anesa Colakovic, Kastriot Shala,Nita Nishliu, Hevzi Abdullahu, Argjira Lluka, Edona Begu, Gentiana Mahmuti, Rita Saraci, Adelina Bilalli, Abetare Gojani, Shpend Bytyqi, Rina Rezniqi, Hana Gafurri, Dafina Prekazi, Rrona Kelmendi, Dijana Simijonovic, Edona Bajrami, Blerina Halili, Nart Orana, Ljubica Jankovic, Ylli Qerkini, Miroslav Jacimovic, Ejona Blyta, Laure Lumezhi, Deniz Tortoshi, Festim Selimi, Blond Gerqari, Buleza Ahmeti, Lirim Bllaca, Sinan Thaqi, Brishen Iannitelli-Pombo, Besart Grabanica, Kreshnik Zeneli,Valon Hasanaj, Ermira Birinxhiku, Kaltrina Sulejmani, Mimoza Selmani, Leotrim Krasniqi, Qendresa Imeri, Egzon Shkuliqi, Arta Shita

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            The idea of development and modernization is to find new and improved ways that people can benefit. Do we see that here? Apparently not. The statements of the ministers that we must choose whether we want a healthier environment or more energy is also tragic. There is always something that can be done to ensure that the tradeoff does not exist, or to at least minimize it. But nothing can be done if people who can make a difference stand idle. A lot more must be done to raise awareness of the subject, because, like you and me and everybody else living in Kosovo, people of Dardhishte village and its surrounding deserve the same living conditions we have. For if we do not do that, then there will be no equity in our society, and the environment and the people will suffer more and more. 

Salihu, A. (2005, February 21). Kosovo Pollution Fears. Retrieved September 12, 2012 from Institute for War and Peace Reporting Website: Salihu, A. (2005, February 21). Air Pollution Fears_. Lung cancer and respiratory diseases are cutting a swathe through villages next to Kosovo’s ageing electricity stations._ Retrieved September 10, 2012, from http://iwpr.net/report-news/kosovopullution-fearshttp://iwpr.net/report-news/kosovopullution-fears

   Although this article was written seven years ago, this issue is still very-much present in the Obiliq area. This article “Kosovo Pollution Fears,” written by Arben Salihu, focuses on lung cancer and other respiratory diseases that are taking over the villages near the Obiliq area---namely Dardhishte. Salihu begins by describing the streets of Dardhishte as deserted and full of dust; “a closer look reveals that most of the roof tops are covered with a dark red layer of particles” which came from one of the power stations (Kosova A) of the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK).

               He then introduces a 37-year-old villager who somberly states, “In Dardhishte, you consider yourself lucky if no one in your family has yet died, or is now dying, of cancer.” Following the now established dreary presence in the article, we are provided with statistics: in May 2003, Kosovo’s ministry of environment reported that Kosova A emitted close to 2.5 tons of dust per hour, exceeding the European standard by 74 times; in the same report, it was sited that air pollution from KEK is “responsible for 63 percent of baby fatalities and 48 percent of stillborn babies.”

               Salihu mentions that the excessive amount of pollution is largely due to the ancient filters that came from the former USSR and “work only at half their expected capacity.” Not only that, but the workers at Kosova A admitted to often completely remove the filters during the third shift (from 4pm-8am). A technician at Kosova A said that “It is pure laziness…the workers don’t want to have to stand by the machines---that’s why they just remove the filters, so the work is easer.”

               The polluted dust affects not only the air, but also the water---“Untreated waste water from ash deposits, containing phenol, a highly toxic chemical, pores into the stream that runs through Dardhishte, which then floods houses during and after heavy rain.” The real issue at hand is that Kosovo must choose between clean air and energy. Due to the fact that Kosovo has a great energy shortage, shutting down KEK is simply not a possibility. 

I this article, issues of the chemicals that release air pollution from the concrete chimney of Kosovo A (KEK,) are effecting the health of the civilians in a small village called Dardhishte. Many of the people that live in Dardhishte die of lung cancer or other diseases, caused by the air pollution.  Muhamet Gerguri (a village leader,  says, “you consider yourself lucky if no one in your family has yet died, or is now dying of, cancer.”  This shows the tragedy of the people that live in that small village. The problem is KEK cannot prevent the air pollution from happening. While many people in the village have moved to safer areas, villages, and towns, families who are too poor to move out of the village have to suffer the consequences of an early death.

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"Green Games Kosovo" This article is based on the green games training courses organized by the Environmentally Responsible Action, also known as ERA, which is in cooperation with international partners. It takes place in the Rugova valley, in Peja. It is designed for youth leaders, youth workers and youth trainers to learn and develop non formal and experiential education methods connected with environmental themes.The purpose of this is to connect and inspire the youth to take care of the environment and the issues around it. The eligible countries are: Albania, Austria, Germany, Macedonia, etc.

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Hjortberg, A. S., & Wingqvist, G. Ö. (2008). Kosovo Environment and Climate Analysis. University of Gothenburg, Retrieved September 18, 2011,  from http://www.sida.se/Global/Countries%20and%20regions/Europe%20incl.%20Central%20Asia/Kosovo/Environmental%20policy%20brief%20Kosovo.pdf

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