Afrim Berisha runs a local fitness center with his two sons in a multi-floor building in the center of Suhareka/Suva Reka. When a local surveyor informed him of the advantages of legalizing the building where his fitness center is located, Afrim quickly decided to start the application process. Municipalities across Kosovo, having benefited from USAID’s technical assistance and training, have streamlined the application process and quickened their review of legalization applications. Two months after applying, Afrim received his legalization certificate and his building was registered in the cadaster by the Municipality of Suhareka/Suva Reka, an early leader in implementing the legalization program.
“I started this business because of my two sons. I thought it was important to involve them in the business and my hope is that they will inherit it and continue running it. This is largely what motivated me to apply for legalization. I now have all the necessary documents and the property is legal,” explained Afrim.
Now that his property is registered in the cadaster, Afrim wants to invest in the fitness center by buying more equipment and attracting new clients. His newly legalized building opens up new financial opportunities since he can use the building as collateral for a loan. It also guarantees that the focus of his investment, his property, is protected in the official records. Motivated by his positive experience, Afrim emphasizes the importance of securing property rights and encourages citizens of Suhareka/Suva Reka, and of Kosovo, who have unpermitted construction, to use this opportunity and apply for legalization.
USAID, through its Kosovo Economic Governance Activity, is supporting efforts by the central government and municipalities to legalize unpermitted construction and encourage citizens to apply. Legalization of unpermitted construction is crucial for formalizing property rights, improving access to finance, and supporting economic recovery and economic growth.
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