| Vau i Dejës | |
|---|---|
| — Municipality — | |
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Vau i Dejës
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Albania |
| County | Shkodër County |
| District | Shkodër District |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Gjon Marku |
| Area | |
| • Total | 31 km2 (12 sq mi) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 9,437 |
| Time zone | Central European Time (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 4008 |
| Area code(s) | 0261 |
| Car Plates | SH |
Vau i Dejës is a municipality in the Shkodër District, Shkodër County, northwestern Albania.[1] Vau i Dejës (or Vau Dejës or Vau-Dejës) also refers to the city center for the municipality, which is sometimes referred to as Lac or Lac-Vau Dejës. Located in the norther region of Zadrima, Vau i Dejes is intersected by the River Drin and Gjadri. It is also strategically about 41 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea. Settlements in the area can be dated back to the 15th century, while the main city of Vau Dejes was developed to house workers during the construction of the Vau Dejes hydroelectric dam from 1971- 73. [2] After the completion of the dam, families displaced from the flood waters began to inhabit the city. Today Vau Dejes is composed of 8 villages and a city center. The population in 2008 was 12,345. The municipality covers a total of 31 km and is composed of 1 city center and 8 villages. The villages of Vau i Dejes are Mjede, Spathar, Shelqet, Kace, Narac, Dush, Gomsiqe, and Karme. 2.[3] It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sapë.
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The history of Vau Dejes dates back to the old city center Deja (or Danja), established around the year 1127. Deja, an Albanian medieval town, was built at the point where the River Drin leaves the highlands. Deja was a strategic area because it was the crossing point of ancient roads connecting the east and the west. From Lisusi, an old Roman road traveled through Nenshat and Hajmel, passing through Laç at Stone Pass and continuing on to Gomsiqes and Puka. The city was a customs point for merchant caravans passing through.
From the early thirteenth century the feudal lords remained under Serb rule. Here was enacted Zahariajve feudal family. With the formation of the principality of Balshaj, Deja became part of it. On 1396, George II passed Balsha Venice city. In the years 1423-1443, Deja passed twice over to the Ottomans in 1443 to be released after the general anti-ottoman insurrection. Possession of Deja was contested between feudal lords and L. Zaharia Dukagjini N. in 1445. After the assassination of the latter, the city was returned by his mother, Venice. Skanderbeg was precisely that claim to deliver venous Venice that caused the fight between him and Venice. Skanderbeg besieged in 1447-1448, but did not take it. The city remained under Venice until 1479, when the Ottomans recaptured. After that, he recovered more.
There still stands today the ruins of ruins of St. Mark's castle and church which date back to the early 15th century. According to historians, each year in this area a big fair was organized and attended by the inhabitants of the Zadrima region. This fair took place on the 25th of April and continued late hours of the morning. Agricultural goods, livestock and primitive tools that could not be found any other day of the year were available for sale. [4]
The Danja Castle, located in the village Deja, was a prominent center in the Zadrima region. The biggest battle in the war against Venice was fought at Danja Castle and is where Leke Zaharia was killed. He is buried in Saint Maria Church in Vau Dejes, which has been rebuilt from when it was destroyed in 1965. With the death of Leke Zaharia, the castle was taken by Venice, which left after military pressure from Gjergj Kastriot- Skenderbeg. After the Danja Castle fell, a great part of the population left for Italy. [3]
Vau i Dejes lies along the national road connecting Shkodra to Kosovo. Located at the foot of a mountainous woodland, it is situated at the exit of a gorge between the hill of Lac with an elevation 367 m and Boka with an elevation 464 m. Through this gorge flows the Glina brook which divides the city's urban area into two visible parts until it meets the Gjader River. The vegetation of these hills is dry largely because their geological composition does not favor the growth of vegetation.[5]
The rocks of the eastern and northern territory of Vau Dejes are characterized by formations of karst and flysch magmatic rocks similar to those found in Mirdita. The moderately strong rocks, are mostlycomposed of flysch from Krasta with small amounts of siliceous clay from the valcanic-sedimentary series from the Mirdita area. Soils of these areas are not cohesively related, while the gravel brook of Gomsiqe is characterized by small stones and very little clay.
Geo-dynamic processes of this area are caused by tectonic movement along the Mirdita and Krasta-Cukal region. Tectonic parting is less developed. Landslides are common of the flysch formations. Massive landslides have been identified along the Vau i Dejes - Koman highway, especially in the area of Karma. Surface erosion is common along the Gomsiqe brook as it flows into the Lake of Vau Dejes. Rockslides have been observed in the vicinity of the Gomsiqe bridge and the Karma school.
The rock formations of the southern and western parts of the municipality may be divided into two groups by their complex rock properties and water-permeability. The first group contains alluvial deposits, alevrite, sand, QH-QPH grit. These compounds have a high to medium level of water permeability. The second group contains compact rocks with permeability ranging from divided into three groups. The first sub of carbonate rocks contains to CR2, J3 J3-CRL and featuring a high permeability. The second subgroup contains ultrabasic rocks and volcanic sedimentary featuring a non-uniform medium permeability. The third subgroup contains rocks with low to virtually no permeability and contains limestone, shale, clay and alevrolite content as well as the paleocen flysch-Neocene (pgl-2) and mastrikcianit (Crm2-PG2).[5]
Water relief in this area ranges from 150-300 l / hour. Underground aquifers surface from exploits in the ultra basic flysch rocks. The southern part of the area has plentiful water containing hydrocarbons and hydrocarbons, sometimes calcium and calcium-magnesium and Mp = 398 mg / l; fp = 13.6 ° k, Ph = 2.72. This water meets the hydrochemical parameters for use for drinking. Productive horizon for water supply in case of need is the old bed of the river Drin.
The hydrographic network is represented by an artificial lake of Vau i Dejes, Drin River and several streams, the most important being the Gomsiqe brook and the Zazllit brook. All these flow from the mountain of Gomsiqe. Vau Dejes Lake has an area of 26 km², while the water surface is 25 km². Its depth ranges up to 50 m. The volume of water for 75 m above sea level is 600 million m³. The average level above sea level is 75 m. Maximum level above sea level is 76 m. The volume of usage is 220 million m³. The length of the lake 10 km while its width is 1.2 km
In the southern part of the city, the urban structure is intersected by the Glina brook, which separates neighborhood Kapedani from the rest of the city. This is a short stream that emanates from the hills to the east of the territory and flows into the Gjader River. During the winter season, the brook's water flow increases considerable during periods of heavy rainfall and the southwestern part of the city is threatened by flooding.
Originally, the river Drin, flowed southwest from the gorge of Vau i Dejes where it joined the Gjader River 1.5 km below, in the field of Zadrima. It passed Lezhe and emptied into the the Adriatic, in the Drin Bay. In 1846, the Drin river formed a new branch which ran towards Shkodra and joined the Buna River. The Drin river was divided into two parts, flowing southwest towards Lezhe, and the other flowing towards Shkodra. This caused a disruption to the water system of Lake Shkoder, impacting on water levels and the flow of the river Buna, which became the river with the greatest water capacity.
Since its separation from the river Drin in the South-West town of Lac Qyrsaç, where the river headed south in the direction of Clarendon .. Gjader River, is the branch of the river Drin. There are many characteristics of a river torencial. Surface of its watershed is mountainous relief 199m2.Karakterizohet from, with average altitude of 422 above sea level. The average amount of precipitation falling in the pond is about 1900mm per year.
| Climate data for Vau i Dejes | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 20 (68) |
21 (70) |
24 (75) |
27 (81) |
34 (93) |
39 (102) |
45 (113) |
44 (111) |
36 (97) |
31 (88) |
26 (79) |
22 (72) |
45 (113) |
| Average high °C (°F) | 9 (48) |
11 (52) |
15 (59) |
19 (66) |
24 (75) |
28 (82) |
32 (90) |
32 (90) |
27 (81) |
21 (70) |
15 (59) |
11 (52) |
20.3 (68.5) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 1 (34) |
3 (37) |
6 (43) |
9 (48) |
13 (55) |
17 (63) |
20 (68) |
20 (68) |
16 (61) |
11 (52) |
7 (45) |
3 (37) |
10.5 (50.9) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −14 (7) |
−12 (10) |
−7 (19) |
−4 (25) |
−1 (30) |
7 (45) |
10 (50) |
9 (48) |
1 (34) |
−1 (30) |
−6 (21) |
−10 (14) |
−14 (7) |
| Precipitation mm (inches) | 191 (7.52) |
168 (6.61) |
160 (6.3) |
144 (5.67) |
90 (3.54) |
64 (2.52) |
38 (1.5) |
66 (2.6) |
122 (4.8) |
166 (6.54) |
240 (9.45) |
213 (8.39) |
1,662 (65.43) |
| Source: weather.com[6] | |||||||||||||
Cultural Center for Children in Dejes i Vau was founded in 1995. Reconstruction of the Cultural Center in 2006 was funded by KFV Germanic Bank. The objectives of the Cultural Center are:
There aren't any public sport organizations in the municipality. The only recreational facilities are a couple privately owned football fields and a Judo training facility. In the future, the municipality has plans to establish its own football team and create recreational spaces. [3]
The first official presentation of Judo in Albania was made in 1993 in Vau i Dejes by Anton Shkoza. Judists were trained in the Cultural Center from 1993 until 1997. In 1997, Anton was able to build a small gym in his home until a proper gym was constructed in 2010. There are 3 Judo groups that train in Vau i Dejes and belong to the Federation of Judo Albania – (Vau-Dejesi, Vllaznia, and Klub Judo “Anton Shkoza”). Judists from Vau i Dejes have competed in various youth tournments in Kosovo and Montenegro,the World Cup in Rome, the German Super cup, European Championships in Belgrade, Tournament of Italy and Niksic as well as various other international competitions. In 2008, Edmond Topalli of Vau i Dejes represented Albania in the Beijing Olympic games. He lost his first match to Neto of Portugal. His other notable achievements include a bronze and silver medal at the Tournament of Tuscany. [7]
The medieval ruins of Shurdhal lie 35km east of Shkodra along the Koman road. Once strategically guarding the Shkodra-Kosovo road, leading up the valley to Prizren, Sarda was founded in the 6th-8th century BC. Much of the ancient town is submerged in the artificial lake created by the Vau i Dejes hydroelectric dam. Still above water are the ruins of an 11th century medieval Roman castle, which includes two rings of defensive walls and towers (some sadly submerged in the lake), the remains of a Byzantine church and other early medieval walls. The setting on the steep rocks rising from the lake is especially impressive. [8]
The lake of Vau i Dejes is an artificial lake formed by the Vau i Dejes hydroelectric dam. Some sites along the lake include Ragam, the island of Shurdah (or Sarda), and the Cave of Doves. Much of the lake is undeveloped but there are a few bars and restaurants along the lake that rent out rooms. The stone neck or Qafa Gurit is the local access point to the lake.
Under communism, the main employers were the state opperated hydro electric power plant and copper factory as well as agricultural cooperatives. Currently, economic development is based on small private economic activities such as services and commerce positioned along the Shkoder-Puke national road. There are 105 private business currently registered in the Lac-Vau i Dejes. Most of the private business in Lac-Vau Dejes are small bar/cafes and small grocery stories. Other commercial activities include, a photo studio, bakery, light industrial supplies, dentistry, and various other basic services.
In the villages outside of the city center, there are small production, processing, agriculture and stock breeding activities. Due to agricultural and land fragmentation caused by the privatization of state property in 1990, the municipal administration has no data on agricultural land being cultivated or the number of agricultural business in operation. The main agricultural products are crops and fodder for farming. Currently, the municipality has 1.141 ha of agricultural land with different productive capacity.
After the privatization of land, livestock number increased within the municipality. Estimates from 2006 place the number of livestock at 1,350 and the number of cattle at 7,345. There are also eight dairy farms using local stock breeding products. The products are sold locally and in Shkoder. There currently, is not a specific place for the collection, processing, and trading of agricultural products. [3]
As noted in the table below, populations in several of the outlying villages such as Dush, Gomsiqe, and Karme are dwindling due to lack of utilities, services, and accessibility. The displaced residents are being relocated within the Lac-Vau Dejes. Out of the whole municipality, 1202 residents are from 0 -6 years old, 2943 are 7 -18 years old, 6468 are from 19-64 years old, and 3052 are over 65 years old. Thirty four percent of the municipality is under the age of 18 and 53% of the population is of working age.[3]
| Village | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lac - Vau i Dejes | 5836 | 5631 | 5647 | 5627 | 5659 | 5458 | 5503 | ||||||
| Deje | 479 | 542 | 495 | 494 | 508 | 486 | 492 | ||||||
| Mjede | 1746 | 1737 | 1748 | 1753 | 1785 | 1801 | 1811 | 1912 | 1944 | 1970 | 1933 | 2062 | 2085 |
| Spathar | 410 | 365 | 369 | 369 | 382 | 381 | 381 | 379 | 388 | 422 | 387 | 415 | 425 |
| Shelqet | 1049 | 1029 | 1003 | 1002 | 1010 | 1008 | 1009 | 1049 | 1049 | 1094 | 1048 | 1135 | 1142 |
| Kace | 878 | 897 | 905 | 898 | 904 | 913 | 909 | 936 | 949 | 970 | 941 | 1012 | 1019 |
| Narac | 1072 | 1024 | 887 | 895 | 879 | 868 | 867 | 882 | 885 | 840 | 881 | 869 | 957 |
| Dush | 905 | 609 | 341 | 328 | 307 | 319 | 322 | 311 | 313 | 295 | 312 | 175 | 175 |
| Gomsiqe | 222 | 225 | 221 | 237 | 244 | 238 | 232 | 221 | 237 | 204 | 194 | ||
| Karme | 610 | 526 | 403 | 399 | 402 | 388 | 392 | 385 | 394 | 345 | 387 | 327 | 322 |
In 2008, Vau Dejes developed a 6 year Strategic Development Plan in cooperation with experts from Intercooperation Albania and Co-PLAN, Institute for Habitat Development. The Strategic Development Plan can be read here.
Economic development of the Municipality of Vau i Dejes focusing on the revitalization of small industrial production, agricultural development and livestock in western and southern areas of the territory of the Municipality, promotion of small enterprise focused on service and trade sector as creating an attractive environment for foreign investors
Improvement and consolidation of spatial structure of the city of Vau Dejes as major urban centers in this Municipality, as well as urban areas to villages Mjede, KAC and territories Narac field, carefully addressing functional transformations in Shkodra, Puka main road.
Enhance the quality of public services and physical and social infrastructure throughout the territory of the Municipality of Vau i Dejes and mainly in the area of the city and villages Mjede, KAC and Narac, while responding to community needs and quality standards to the quality of life.
Increased management and administrative capacity of local government in the Municipality of Vau i Dejes addressing civic issues and reflect them in local politics effectively.
Increased revenue from taxes and fees in Vau i Dejes Municipality and enable funding to improve infrastructure and services across the administrative territory of the Municipality. [3]
The municipality of Vau i Dejes has 5 kindergartens with 205 students, 9 elementary schools with 1,700 students and 2 highschools with 416 students. School attendance is an issue with only 40% of school age children attending school. Education standards are sub par due to poor and crowded facilities. There is also a lack of didactic material, especially laboratories. Class size is often twice the desired density with 45 - 50 students per classroom.
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