Authorities say all Moldovan roads are fit for traffic despite heavy snowfall

Although the motorists have complained today about the condition of the roads as a result of a heavy snowfall, authorities of various ranks said all the roads in the country are fit for traffic and that winter service vehicles are working without interruption. Ion Negreata, coordinating doctor at the Emergency Aviation Service Aviasan, told Info-Prim Neo that all four crews of the Service were busy today responding to emergency calls from the districts of Rezina, Donduseni, and Cantemir. The crew responsible for the northern zone reported that vehicle traffic is very difficult in the area around Telenesti district and that no snow removal equipment was air-spotted on the snowy and icy roads. The crews on ambulances in Chisinau also complained about the road conditions, asking the City Hall for help in removing snow from their routes. Moreover, some ambulance doctors claimed that at 8:00 in the morning there wasn’t any winter service vehicle on Chisinau roads, including major streets, but a few solitary sweepers. When contacted by Info-Prim Neo, the head of the Department for Emergencies Mihai Harabagiu said there were not any roads in the country that could not be travelled, while all the settlements, except half of Romazeni village in Rascani district, had electricity at that moment. Harabagiu added that all the district heads were warned that a state of emergency would be declared if things go worse. Igor Zaharia, department head at the Ministry of Transport and Road Management, left to be in charge of the Ministry for holidays, stated that despite heavy snowfall in southern and central Moldova and sleet in the south, there are no troubles for the drivers, whose safety is secured by 143 winter service vehicles, operated by 209 persons. As concerns the capital city, the situation is kept under control, head of the city transport department Veaceslav Tarna told Info-Prim Neo. He said 58 snow removal vehicles were out there ensuring a smooth traffic on Chisinau roads. The roads connecting the suburbs with the city are clear, and the passenger carriers voiced no complaints, Tarna added.