Anastasiia Chernukha shares her impressions of living in Albania
Anastasiia Chernukha, a Ukrainian who relocated from Synelnykove to Albania with her three children, has opened up about the challenges she faces in her new home. She highlights several pressing issues that she believes require immediate attention, including waste management, traffic rule compliance, internet quality, and the stray animal population.
Main concerns raised
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Garbage crisis: Chernukha points out that while waste collection is systematic and bins are emptied twice daily, there are no trash receptacles along the coastline. Locals often discard rubbish directly on the ground, making it harder to maintain cleanliness.
“Unlike spotless Germany or Switzerland, there's plenty of trash here. Despite regular cleanups, there are absolutely no trash bins along the shoreline or anywhere else.” – Anastasiia Chernukha
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Road safety issues: According to Chernukha, drivers in Albania move at a slow pace, but local residents frequently ignore traffic regulations. She notes that in her entire time there, she has witnessed only one accident, which she describes as minor. Drivers may pull onto main roads from side streets without caution, and pedestrians often cross in undesignated areas.
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Internet quality: Chernukha criticizes the poor internet service and its high cost. She explains that unlimited data plans in Albania offer sluggish speeds, which can be a significant hurdle for remote workers.
“I also want to highlight that internet here is quite expensive and not very good quality.” – Anastasiia Chernukha
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Stray animals: The final issue Chernukha raises is the large number of stray animals, especially dogs. She says these dogs roam freely everywhere, including on beaches.
Life in Albania comes with its own set of hurdles that call for attention. The problems Chernukha identifies reflect broader national challenges, where environmental concerns, traffic safety, and social responsibility demand a comprehensive approach. Adapting to a new environment can be tough, but it is crucial that the difficulties faced by immigrants become a focus for local authorities and society as a whole.