The public utility SA “Apa-Canal Chisinau” (ACC) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Environment and the local public authorities of Straseni and Calarasi to implement the project “Improvement of water infrastructure in central Moldova” that is financed by the Government of Germany thorough the German Development Bank KfW. The memorandum lays down the investment priorities in the central region - Straseni and Calarasi districts – depending on the needs of settlements, technical specifications and project implementation periods, IPN reports.

ACC director general Veronica Hertsa said the project is important for the company and is part of its services regionalization policy. By integrated systems and with more professional management, they will promote the conservation of resources, minimization of investments and protection of water sources and will improve the relationship with customers and their perception of operators.

The project will ensure access to safe water supply services for about 170,000 beneficiaries. The regionalization of water supply and sewerage services will enable to improve the quality of these services for the consumers from Straseni and Calarasi districts and to diminish tariffs. The water supply and sewerage charges in Straseni are now 25.30 lei/m3 for domestic users and 54.00 lei/m3 for non-domestic users, in Calarasi – 26.50 lei/m3 and 51.00 lei/m3 respectively, while in Chisinau municipality – 9.19 lei/m3 and 22.86 lei/m3 respectively. 

The investments in implementing the first phase of the project total €16.5 million, which is provided by the Government of Germany in non-reimbursable assistance through the German Development Bank KfW.