The Millennium Challenge Account Moldova launched on Wednesday, November 28, the contest for the rehabilitation of the two irrigation systems included in the Compact Assistance Program offered to Moldova by the US. The contest will select companies of construction and of monitoring the works, Info-Prim Neo reports. The irrigation systemsa in Criuleni and in Lopatna village, Orhei district, will be first to be rehabilitated in the last 40-50 years, announced MCA Moldova executive director Valentina Badrajan. The contest conditions require the replacement of all damaged pumps, of about 85% of pipes, the reconstruction of pump station buildings and so one. As a result of the rehabilitation, the area of irrigated fields should be expanded with 1000 ha. US Ambassador in Chisinau Willian Moser said that this project would help the development of agriculture in Moldova and would allow attracting investment into this sector. He added that the program also allows access to long-term credits for the development of post-harvesting infrastructure. Companies interested in participating in the contest can apply until January 24. The works should begin next spring and be finished in 18 months. The rehabilitation of centralized irrigation systems is one of the goals of the $262 million Compact Program signed at the beginning of 2010.