Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Andrei Spînu presented a plan for reconstructing Moldova’s infrastructure in a news conference. “It’s time to roll up our sleeves and during the next two years implement projects that will fundamentally change the way in which the country looks. Moldova will be European not only in words,” said the official.
He noted that the roads are a priority. More roads and bridges will be built in the immediate period, including the Soroca – Arionești – Otaci section, the Troița Nouă bypassing road, the Hâncești – Lăpușna road. A sum of 500 million lei was allocated this year for regional roads and the construction works are under way.
The European railway and naval transport is another priority. A number of railroad sections will be repaired and at least 1,000 new wagons, primarily for grain, and 30 switcher locomotives will be bought. There will be purchased equipment for the state naval port. Temporary quays will be set up on the Nistru and the Prut.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development also aims to modernize the road transport. The use of public transport for the citizens and business entities will be simplified through such digital instruments as e-Ticket and e-GPS. An integrated management system will be tested in transport in 2024. A national program to optimize routes based on information about passenger flows will be initiated.
Among the priorities are also the public water supply networks, which in 2022 were extended by 16% or 245 km and are to cover the whole population by 2030, and the European Village to have clean and developed localities. Launched on the initiative of President Maia Sandu last year, this program so far supported the implementation of 180 projects, while the financing for another 891 projects was approved.
“These are ambitious, large-scale projects, but Moldova can really go on, towards Europe, only if these projects are implemented over the new few years. No matter how long their implementation takes, these projects should be started and completed as they are the development shock we need to put Moldova on the correct road, on the European path. We realize that time is needed for them to be implemented, but they will play an essential role in the development of the Republic of Moldova and they should be initiated, prepared today,” stated Andrei Spînu.
