The Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment and the European Investment Bank have signed the loan agreement for the first tranche of 25 million euros out of the 100 million euros to be contracted for the implementation of waste management projects in eight regions of the country, reports IPN.
Under the project there will be installed new collection systems, treatment facilities for biological materials and waste and new sanitary landfills for the storage of waste for the entire urban population and part of the rural population.
"Given the alarming situation in the field of waste management, which is one of the main sources of environmental pollution, the current Government has reopened the negotiations with the EIB to unblock funding in this area for other development partners as well," said Georgeta Mincu, Minister of agriculture, regional development and environment.
Feasibility studies have been developed for three of the eight regions, the regions being ready to implement concrete projects.
The head of the EIB Office, Antonio Castillo, commends the Government for focusing on finding solutions to improve infrastructure in terms of waste treatment or processing. Antonio Castillo has also said that this is the first operation of an EU bank which contributes to the modernization of the solid waste infrastructure in Moldova.
The loan agreement is subject to ratification by Parliament, after which the first instalment will be allocated.