Frost makes Chisinau water supplier's work more complicated

The number of water leakage accidents on the Chisinau streets grew in number with the colder weather. SA Apa-Canal Chisinau carry out repair works with great difficulty. The pipes made from gray pig iron are the most vulnerable to cold weather. There are about 600 km of such pipes in Chisinau, which have been used since the Soviet times, sources in the company said. Serious accidents during the last few days occurred on Bogdan Voievod, Calea Orheiului, Doina, and Messagerului streets in Chisinau and in Vadul lui Voda town and Tohatin village, which form part of the municipality of Chisinau. Sixteen teams composed of 5-6 persons work to remove the accidents, but they encounter difficulties as it is very hard to repair the pipes from gray pig iron. 1,024 km of pipeline of the exiting 1,600 km are in a deplorable condition and are in need of repair. The yearly replacement of 20 km of pipe and the rehabilitation of 124.5 km of pipeline with support from the EBRD improved the situation, but large investments are still needed. However, Apa-Canal Chisinau possesses the mechanisms and forces needed to keep the situation under control and ensure a smooth water supply.