A new green area was inaugurated in Soroca municipality with the technical and financial support of the Unnoted States Agency for International Development (USAID). This is the square set up on Vasile Stroescu Street, on the outskirts of Soroca, and the inauguration event celebrated Earth Day, IPN reports.
“In the midst of the noise and bustle of the city, green areas become an oasis of peace and relaxation for its inhabitants. These spaces are not just simple parks or gardens, but are places of meeting and recreation for the local community, which facilitate social interaction and disconnection from the stress of daily life,” runs a press release issued by the international organization IREX.
The project was carried out with the technical and financial support of USAID, becoming an example of effective cooperation between the local administration and the American donor. It should be noted that, along the way, the project managed to evolve into a cooperation platform between the Soroca City Hall and a number of international donors. Thus, the collective effort led to the additional construction of four gazebos on the territory of the square and, as the next step in the development of the infrastructure of this area, the City Hall is considering building a playground.
Among the beneficiaries of the project are over 10,000 citizens, first of all the inhabitants of the quarter who are delighted with the new public space that has improved their quality of life. Children, in particular, enjoy the new outdoor rest area, navigating the alleys of the park with bicycles, rollerblades or skateboards.
On the occasion of the inauguration of the square and to mark World Earth Day, Deputy Head of USAID Mission John Riordan planted a tree during the event, thus bringing a personal contribution to this project. The residents’ desire to have a green area in the neighborhood and their joy as a result of this project have highlighted once again the importance of green areas as essential elements of urban life, which bring significant benefits both for individuals and for the community as a whole.
The total value of the project was US$ 100,706, including USAID’s investment of US$70,633.
Comunitatea Mea (My Community) is the flagship program of the United States Agency for International Development in the field of local governance, implemented in the Republic of Moldova by the international organization IREX. The program aims to support the local public authorities to become more efficient, transparent and accountable towards citizens. Currently, the Community Mea program cooperates with 123 municipalities and localities across the country, which benefit from training and technical assistance to improve local public services, engage citizens in local governance and implement tools to increase locally-owned revenues.