The Moldovan Communist Party (PCRM) is suggesting that the only solution to the problems of the heating and energy sector in Moldova is to establish a giant corporation – through the merger of CET-1, CET-2 (combined heat and power stations), Termocom (heating utility), and Apa-Canal Chisinau (water utility) – which would produce and deliver heating, electricity, hot and drinking water, Info-Prim Neo reports. The PCRM deputies Iurie Muntean and Eduard Musuc told a press conference on Wednesday the merger project, which contained an investment and modernization component as well, was devised by the Communist government between 2007 and 2008. The deputies said the cost of the project was estimated at over $500 million, and the financing for it was identified when the Greceanyi Government negotiated with the Chinese company Covec the signing of a memorandum, which provided for a $1 billion loan, repayable in 15 years the earliest. “Unfortunately, after we left power in September 2009, those who succeeded us have failed to implement this project, which should have started at the end of 2009”, said Iurie Muntean. According to him, officials from the current ministry of economy say the negotiations with the Chinese partners are still going on. “Where is the money then, if you negotiate?”, he asked rhetorically. Muntean added that besides the memorandum with China, the heating & energy project had potential financing from the first installment, in the amount of $150 million, of the Russian loan. At present, Muntean claims, the negotiations conducted by the Filat Government for the $500 loan have failed. PCRM deputy Eduard Musuc says the current government has every lever to implement the project – a parliamentary majority, to decide with respect to CET-1 and CET-2, and a majority in the Chisinau City Council, to decide with respect to Termocom and Apa-Canal Chisinau, as well as all the documents required to attract the needed financing. At the end of the conference, Iurie Muntean declared that the Communist Party will push the project as long as it stays in opposition and would eventually implement if it wins power again.