Builders seek ban on fire-risk materials

Builders in Albania are calling for stricter checks on building materials after fires in apartment blocks raised safety concerns.

The Builders’ Association said poor-quality products are still being sold and should not be allowed onto building sites.

It said materials that fail safety standards should be kept out at the border.

Officials said some approved materials may still increase fire risk when used on building facades.

The National Territorial Protection Inspectorate said some of those materials may need to be banned from future projects.

Inspection officials said fire safety, electrical systems and energy-efficiency rules need to be checked together to make buildings safer.