The Employers’ Public Services Association of the Republic of Moldova called on the Government to convene a meeting and examine the situation of drinking water supply and sewerage services, which is critical. It also called upon the National Agency for Energy Regulation (NAER) to review the methodology for determining, approving and applying water supply, sewerage and wastewater treatment charges, which is too restrictive.
In a news conference hosted by IPN, the Association’s chairman Mihai Severovan said that investments in the water supply and sewerage systems have declined and the payments for their services are the main source of income for water supply and sewerage companies. The current methodology for determining, approving and applying water supply, sewerage and wastewater treatment charges stipulates many restrictions and does not cover a number of the costs incurred by the companies.
“The NAER should urgently amend the methodology for determining, approving and applying water supply and sewerage charges so as to make it viable,” stated Mihai Severovan, calling on the Agency to ensure more efficient cooperation.
The Association’s chairman also called on Parliaments to adjust the law on the public water supply and sewerage service that was adopted back in 2013 and does not match the realities. “We formulated proposals for amending this law and will yet submit such proposals, but we ask Parliament to hasten their examination. We also request the Government to urgently call a meeting and examine the situation regarding this important service,” said Mihai Severovan.
“Apă-Canal Strășeni” director Constantin Costov said the problems are similar at all the water supply companies. Huge effort has been made in time to supply the consumers with drinking water by performing rehabilitation works and making investments in other works, but the situation worsened after the electricity, fuel and other prices rose. In November, the water charges were raised from 14.6 lei to 16.39 lei, while the sewerage charges – from 10.7 lei to 10.93 lei. “I do not agree with such charges. We had had a charge of 14 lei for 15 years, but the prices of electricity and fuel were different then,” stated Constantin Costov.
Deputy manager of “Apă-Canal Soroca” Igor Focșa said that the NAER should cooperate with the operators and should not burden them with sanctions and inappropriate adjustments. A dialogue should be instituted between the Agency and the given companies so as to avoid the insolvency of the latter.
According to the Employers’ Public Services Association of the Republic of Moldova, currently 45% of Moldova’s population does not have access to canalized drinking water supply, while 65% do not have access to centralized sewerage systems. Each second citizen drinks water that is unfit to drink. Approximately 30% of the fixed assets of companies are worn-out. At some of the companies, the figure stands at 50%.
IPN News Agency gives the right of reply to persons who consider they were touched by the news items produced based on statements of the organizers of the given news conference, including by facilitating the organization of another news conference in similar conditions.
