Apa-Canal Chisinau seeks simplification of procedure for eliminating pipe failures and leaks

The prompt intervention of the specialised brigades of “Apa-Canal Chisinau” (ACC) in removing the consequences of network rupture accidents is delayed by the regulations that oblige the supplier to coordinate its actions with all the economic agents that have underground engineering networks, as well as to inspect the scene, the ACC director Constantin Becciev said. According to Becciev, the interventions require in some cases up to 24 steps of coordination, with the sketch of repairs requiring the approval of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The complicated procedure, which also obliges the supplier to cover these expenses, is the reason why some leaking pipes cannot be repaired within 24 hours, arousing thus the population’s discontent. Constantin Becciev says that the defects in the networks that do not go under traffic roads and are not interconnected with other underground engineering systems are removed easily, during an hour. The interventions that must be coordinated last for 24 hours on average. The ACC dispatcher’s office can be informed about accidents on 25 66 66. Becciev also said that the high wear of the aqueducts and the doubling in water consumption during hot days contributed to an increased number of accidents. As many as 135 accidents were reported last week. Fifteen specialised brigades deal with the problems in aqueducts, but this number is not enough to cope with all the accidents. Given that the water charges are not optimised, the company does not have the necessary resources to employ more staff, Becciev said. ACC asked the local authorities to simplify the procedure for eliminating the consequences of the accidents in aqueducts so as they are able to remove the defects in reasonable time and stop the water leaks.