The IPN news agency has identified some of the problems of Chisinau municipality and has asked the candidates for the position of mayor of the capital how they intend to solve them.
Octavian Ţîcu, the candidate of the National Unity Party, argues that street lighting gives the first impression to travellers and citizens about the welfare and safety of the settlement. Unfortunately, the municipality of Chisinau does not have an adequate street lighting system, except for Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard. The rest of the city, says the candidate, is like a cave, in some areas there is light, in others not. The candidate states that street lighting should be approached as a priority by both the municipal administration and the residents.
Octavian Ţîcu specifies that the historic center needs a new lighting concept, which will bring out the beauty of all buildings. “The public lighting, as well as the road and sidewalks, is an integral part of the primary needs of Chisinau. Street lighting has to be the essence of the policies aimed at the efficient administration of a city”, said Octavian Ţîcu.
In his opinion, many citizens’ requests addressed to the City Hall could be solved by the tenants' associations and people from the apartment blocks. The candidate believes that this is a matter pertaining to the sense of community, as the arrangement of parks, playgrounds, etc. According to Octavian Ţîcu, the issue of street lighting needs to be addressed from a European perspective, through a connection to the Romanian networks, which constitute a cheaper and more secure new source of electricity. Likewise, the candidate pleads for the installation of solar batteries, which on account of the energy accumulated during the sunny days could provide electricity for lighting at night.
Ivan Diacov, the candidate of Our Party, considers that the absence of street lighting has become a problem for the Chisinau municipality due to the lack of discipline and the wrong way of setting priorities. In the candidate's opinion, quality street lighting has benefited primarily wealthy people, while common citizens have to suffer.
If elected general mayor, the candidate intends to carry out an independent audit at "Lumteh" municipal enterprise, in order to identify problems and expenses. He will also organize a strict control of the activity in the field of street lighting and will focus mainly on the illumination of the sectors around educational establishments, recreation areas, expenses being adjusted to the budget possibilities.
Ivan Diacov mentions that he will be able to obtain financing from the liquidation of corruption schemes, related to the illicit sale of the municipal patrimony, by their replacement with public tenders, the revenues being redirected to the municipal budget. Asked whether the actions taken so far by the former local governments as regards the modernization of street lighting will continue, the candidate has specified that he is not a conceited person, and all things that have been done for the benefit of the people will continue.
Vladimir Cebotari, the candidate of the Democratic Party, says that for the modernization of street lighting, if elected general mayor, he will develop a program that will envisage the implementation of the latest energy-efficient solutions, using solar energy and the energy produced by renewable resources. According to the candidate, these measures will allow for a short-repayment period of the investment.
Vladimir Cebotari says that grants for modernizing street lighting can be attracted. In his opinion, the measures taken so far have not been swift enough.
The candidate believes that lighting the block yards should be a common task of the municipal authorities and homeowners' associations. In his opinion, the municipality cannot ignore the problems of municipality inhabitants. The problems and concerns of people must become worries for the municipal authorities. The PDM candidate states that, as a general mayor, he will find the tools and solutions necessary to help the block yards and their tenants cope with the lighting process.