World Bank will provide $ 50 million for the conceptualization of a new project in the field of water supply and sanitation security in Moldova

Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, together with World Bank experts, met today in a meeting to discuss a new water supply and sewerage project in several rural areas in our country. Discussions on the process of developing "Moldova Water Security and Sanitation Project" took place in a virtual format.

During the meeting, the Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, Ion Perju, sent a message of gratitude to the representatives of the World Bank, for their willingness to provide support and assistance in the project drafting process that will substantially contribute to improving living conditions for the population from rural localities in our country.

"Providing the population with water supply and sanitation services is a priority on the agenda of the Government of the Republic of Moldova. Thus, we propose that through the targeted project, at least 40,000 citizens shall have access to improved water supply services, 35,000 shall have access to sanitation and wastewater treatment services, and another 1,500 citizens shall be provided with access to sanitary installations in individual households. We also aim to equip 150 social institutions, such as schools and medical centers, with improved water, sanitation and hygiene facilities", informed the minister.

At the same time, the official stressed that the project will finance the creation and extension of water supply systems for the localities from the rayons of Cahul, Riscani and ATU Gagauzia; creation of sanitation systems and wastewater treatment plants for the cities of Soroca and Comrat; investment projects to improve the operational efficiency of selected water and sanitation operators; technical assistance and capacity building, including the development of a national water and sanitation plan and investment program.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the actions taken so far, analyzing the performance indicators and assessing the difficulties encountered during the preparation of project documents.

„In order to prepare the project, we requested a grant from the ECAPDEV fund, from the sources of which the feasibility study will be elaborated; the technical documentation of the project, as well as the capacities of the implementation unit of the future project will be strengthened, including the environmental impact assessment study will be elaborated", mentioned Ion Perju.

Upon completion of the project concept, the World Bank will analyze and approve the project and decide on the credit for its implementation.

The total cost of the project is estimated at US $ 50 million and will be funded by the International Development Association (IDA) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). The project will be implemented in accordance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework over five years, from May 2021 to May 2026.