The reserve fund of Chisinau with 8.5 million lei available now will be increased by 20 million lei. The money will be used to alleviate the consequences of the heavy snowfalls of April 20 and 21. The decision was taken in the April 25 meeting of the Chisinau Municipal Council, IPN reports.

Mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca said the municipal resources are not enough for covering all the damage caused by the natural disaster and the municipality will thus seek help from the central public administration. The extent of damage could yet increase with the presentation of reports by the municipal subdivisions.

The decision approved by the Municipal Council envisions also the raising of loans. At the suggestion of Communist councilor Vasile Chirtoca, it was agreed that loans will be taken out at an interest rate of at most 10%.

The wood that will be collected from the streets of Chisinau will be distributed primarily to recipients of cold-month allowances. Socialist councilor Ion Ceban said the collected wood should be strictly supervised as cases of theft have been already reported.