Dorin Chirtoaca: Problems confronting Chisinau should be solved gradually

The problems faced by Chisinau city should be solved gradually – starting with the most serious and ending with the minor ones. According to the mayor general of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca, the wastewater treatment station was the most painful problem in Chisinau as it emitted an unpleasant smell. But this problem has been practically solved, Info-Prim Neo reports. The mayor said the water supply is another major problem. It appeared owing to the unserious attitude towards the water supply SA Apa-Canal. He stressed that the water and sewerage systems must work consistently and be reliable and not run the risk of being disconnected monthly because of debts for electric power. The public transportation system is another priority. It is in a deplorable condition as the trolleybuses are older than 40. Chirtoaca said 150 million lei or 10 million euros was allocated yearly from the municipal budget for the public transport. This money was used to cover the free trips made by particular groups of people, but it could go to purchase about 50 new trolleybuses every year. The mayor said that about 60,000 persons on monthly incomes lower than 1,450 lei agreed to receive monthly compensations of 70 lei instead of free trips by public units of transport. “We are considering introducing a monthly social season ticket that will cost 70 lei, but I think not many persons will want to give the compensation of 70 lei for such tickets.” Dorin Chirtoaca said a project to arrange parking lots, sidewalks and streets is now under formulation. Trees will be planted on wide sidewalks and parking lots will be set up between them. The mayor also said that the Northern Bus Terminal is not appropriately located. Normally, the bus terminals are built on the outskirts of cities. Thus, the Northern Bus Terminal could be relocated near the Metro store, not far from the street going to Orei. The mayor did not say if a relocation plan has been already worked out. An ordinance banning the placement of kiosks will be issued soon as such a practice runs counter to the plans to transform Chisinau into a European capital, Dorin Chirtoaca said.