On Thursday 28th May, the project on the Reconstruction of the tourist pedestrian route "Ura e Mesit" was presented at Postribe-Shkoder commune. This project shall be financed by Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and implemented by Albanian Development Fund.

The origin of Mesi Bridge dates back to the 18th century. It is believed to have been built by Mehmet Pacha Bushatliu (the Elder) in 1768.This bridge was constructed within a two-stage period: three arches were built at the first stage, to be followed by ten other arches during the second stage. Given its architectonic and technical values, this monument attracts a large number of visitors. The bridge is 108 meters long by 3, 40 wide. Carved stones are used for its construction, whereas the track way is made of stone slabs, where every 1 meter, 5 centimeters of transversal rows are erected giving the shape of a scale to the deck.

The values of this bridge are enriched by the scenic rocky landscape and the pure water of Kir River hence adding extra charm for the visitors. Mesi Bridge, together with the Castles of Rozafa and Drishti,  have become the most symbolic cultural monuments in  Shkodra  City which are omnipresent on the painters’ motives, photographic studios, wooden, linen and copper crafts etc.

The project includes (i) the rehabilitation of the western side of the bridge by constructing a retaining wall made of river stones, (ii) the construction of a paved sidewalk, (iii) the creation of a public garden where 20 ornamental & fruit trees shall be planted, (iv) façade reconstruction of certain buildings at the vicinity of the bridge, (v) provision of benches and up to data illumination system on the four sides of the bridge. The project works are expected to last 5 months. The cost of this project totals 11 million leks. The bridge is going to be used by the inhabitants of this region, local visitors and foreign tourists whose number is expected to triple after the implementation of this project.

Postribe Commune is one of the 16 awarded communes, which were selected based on a set of clear and transparent criteria on administrative capacities, local finances or on the potentials for economic development. This Commune has been allocated funds by CEB on two other projects, which are respectively: The pavement of ‘Kalaja e Drishtit’ Road with a length of 3.1 km whose works are expected to be finalized by the end of July 2009 and the pavement of ‘Koder Boks’ Village Road. The number of the direct beneficiaries from these projects is estimated at 7500 inhabitants.