The head of the Territory Protection Inspectorate, Ilir Ngresi, has resigned from his position following a meeting with the mayor, Emiriana Sako. His departure comes at a sensitive time for the IMT, which, along with other municipal enterprises, has been engaged in a broad operation to demolish structures built over drainage canals—an intervention considered crucial for addressing a long-standing issue affecting the city and its residents. This operation is not the only one underway; others are also in progress.
Sources close to the municipality link the resignation to the high workload and pressure associated with the role, in a sector where conflicts of interest, clashes with citizens, and strong administrative responsibilities intersect. The burden of implementing difficult decisions, as well as constant exposure to tensions on the ground, is said to have influenced the decision to step down.
In recent months, Ngresi also faced intense public opposition. In February, he was at the center of reactions from residents of the city's historic center, affected by the TID Durrës project, who accused him of signing a document demanding voluntary evacuation from their homes within set deadlines.
His resignation comes after a short but challenging period, and it remains to be seen who will take over the leadership of IMT Durrës next, at a time when field operations to clear public spaces continue.