The first 100 projects that formed part of the national program “European Village” were finished. As a result, over 20,000 people gained access to drinking water, while 34,000 people enjoy public lighting systems, President Maia Sandu stated in a press briefing. She asked to make a new call for projects as part of “European Village Express”, IPN reports.
President Sandu noted that in discussions with people from the localities she visits, she is told about the immediate needs for improving infrastructure. These needs can be fulfilled in an express way and with fewer financial resources than the large-scale projects. “The program “European Village Express” should enable the localities to implement fast projects with implementation periods of at most six months, which can deal with the pressing needs of localities. By creating the national program “European Village” and launching the program “European Village Express”, we will contribute to building a European Moldova. We will build Europe here, at home,” said the official.
Maia Sandu also said that each project completed as part of the “European Village” program means changes that improve the life of many people, offer economic opportunities to those who want to work. “In Hârbovăț village, Anenii Noi, there were built over 11 km of public lighting, while the villages Șirăuți of Briceni district and Bușila of Ungheni district benefit from photovoltaic power stations. Fourteen kindergartens were renovated or equipped during a year alone, for almost 3,000 children from villages and towns. We modernized nine secondary schools and three lyceums so that our students study in better conditions,” stated President Sandu.
The National Rural Development Fund is used to finance projects that won funding within the national program “European Village”. In 2022, the Fund totaled about 970 million lei and 300 million lei of this amount went to improve the regional water supply and sewage systems, to foster the economic development of regions by improving the support infrastructure for businesses and creating jobs in the development regions (Rural Development Program), while 670 million lei was used to enhance local public utility networks, to build and renovate social infrastructure and to take energy efficiency measures.
