The project to ensure energy efficiency and to thermally rehabilitate buildings in Chisinau, primarily preschool educational institutions, schools and medical institutions, was the subject of a public debate hosted by IPN News Agency. The experts invited to the debate entitled “Project of energy efficiency and thermal rehabilitation of buildings in Chisinau – current stage, results and future plans” discussed the stage of the works, the buildings selected for rehabilitation, the budget for this project and the municipality’s future plans.
Ala Mîrza, adviser to the mayor general of the municipality of Chisinau, said that in 2016 the Chisinau City Hall raised a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Of the €25 million budget, €10 million was offered by the EBRD, another €10 million by the EIB, while a €5 million grant was provided by the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P).
The project covers lyceums, schools and kindergartens. The Municipal Clinical Hospital “Saint Trinity”, the Municipal Clinical Hospital for Children “Valentin Ignatenco” and Municipal Clinical Hospital No. 1 (two blocks) are now under rehabilitated. Public buildings were revamped as part of this project in the municipality of Chisinau. The money is invested in insulation, building equipment, heating systems and air conditioning.
Ion Cebanu, municipal councilor of the Liberal Party, noted that the negotiations on this project started in 2014. Chisinau inherited from the Soviet Union a lot of unfinished buildings. Therefore, the costs incurred for heating are larger and the city probably looks not as it should. The then administration, led by mayor Dorin Chirtoacă, discussed with the EBRD and the negotiations lasted for two years.
The project in its initial variant was designed for social facilities, administrative buildings, hospitals, schools but with extension to apartment buddings. The then opponents and the Government placed obstacles, but these were overcome. Now that the war in the neighboring country makes the price of gas felt, such a project should be accelerated.
Ruslan Verbitski, municipal councilor of the Party Dignity and Truth Platform, said the costs associated with the maintenance of schools and kindergartens will be reduced to about 40%. This money can be used to extensively repair institutions. The lighting system in schools and kindergartens is replaced with LED devices and the largest amounts will be saved here. Now the buildings covered by the project are insulated outside, the windows and doors and the heating systems are replaced, while the engineering and other systems are repaired.
Lilia Babuc, director of the Theoretical Lyceum of Arts “Elena Alistar”, said that owing to this project, their lyceum now looks spectacularly. The number of beneficiaries of the building was one of the selection criteria. Their lyceum’s building dates from 1965 and all its networks were in a bad state. The benefit is significant against the number of beneficiaries. The works started last May and were monitored by the City Hall and by investors.
By September 1 last year, the interior and exterior works were finished. The lighting system was partially replaced with LED devices. The heating system was also replaced. There were installed intelligent heating, electricity and water supply systems and 30 solar panels. By September 1 this year, there will be set up a modern ventilation system and the works will end by October 1.
