Environmental NGO representatives, worried about pollution level hikes, warn about a bill examined by Parliament. Moldova risks becoming a junkyard for used cars from the European Union, the U.S. or China, they say, if a bill allowing the import of older vehicles is signed into law.
During a press conference at IPN, Iordanca-Rodica Iordanov, executive director of "EcoContact", said that "We plea to the authorities to think again about how they wish to shape the Republic of Moldova and how it will affect the health of the current and future generations. Let's see how we develop this country - do we lead it back into total stagnation or lead it to growth. Why do we say stagnation? Because the import of old cars, buses and minibuses will never lead to economic development. It is a short-term solution, certainly not a long-term one. It is a solution that may be cheaper at the moment, but which will cost a lot if we concern ourselves with rehabilitating the quality of the environment and human health".
Andrei Isac, an independent environmental expert, articulates that he does not want the Republic of Moldova to be negatively affected by such initiatives. The misguided practices of the former governments should not be repeated. Previously, diesel engine locomotives were purchased, instead of electric ones. "We want clean air, not decrepit cars. This message can be related to other aspects of social-economic life as well” the expert said.
Environmental protection representatives of the civil society express deep concern regarding the promotion of a bill registered on July 22, 2019, in Parliament. The draft proposes an age limit increase, from 10 to 15 years, for the import of road vehicles designed for more than 20 passengers. Additionally, a 3 year age limit increase is proposed on the import of vehicles with a capacity of up to 20 passengers, from 7 years to 10 years.
Ina Coșeru, the president of the National Environmental Center, said that the adoption of this bill will lead to increasing levels of air pollution. A country that aspires to align with European standards cannot afford this mistake, the activist said. In her view, the authorities should implement a set of measures, including afforestation, in order to improve environment quality.
