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A new water supply system is being built in the centre of Ungheni municipality, with the support of the European Union. The network, with a length of over 1,600 meters, will provide safe drinking water to more than 24,000 people. The action is part of the Ungheni municipality centre modernization process, carried out by the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme, funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF under the strategic guidance of the EU Delegation.
The construction works began in August and will be completed by the end of the year. The investment of EUR 210,170 is provided from EU funds, the municipality contributing with an additional amount of MDL 893,868 (equivalent of EUR 46,000). The new system is built on the Nationala Street, in the perimeter of Vasile Lupu and Solidaritatii streets, and is part of the main drinking water pipe of Ungheni municipality that interconnects the seven neighbourhoods in the city.
"I am very pleased to underline that in spite of the very challenging situation brought by the Covid pandemic, the EU Focal Regions programme is steadily progressing with its implementation, bringing very tangible benefits to the population, such as safe drinking water as well as reducing leakages and improving the management of water resources. The EU Focal Regions programme is in fact a transformative agenda, which will not only pave the way for a swift post-Covid economic recovery but has even higher ambitions. The EU is rolling out in the Focal Regions of Ungheni and Cahul an innovative initiative of using ICT technologies and green economy principles to achieve a substantial increase in the quality of life for the citizens. In line with the “build back better” approach, this programme will demonstrate that a green economic recovery is not only possible but also effective and very timely" said Peter Michalko, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.
The distribution network in Ungheni municipality is obsolete and, with few exceptions, has not been renovated since 1978, the year of the system construction in Ungheni. Given the damaged state of the network, situations like broken pipes, damages that lead to considerable water losses, and expenses for repairing of damages of affected parts are frequent.
"The pipes have over 150% degree of wear, and 24% of the water does not reach the tap due to leaks in the public distribution network. Local budget money is spent annually for the repair of damaged segments and monthly interventions are made to the water supply networks on Nationala street. As a result, the water is often disconnected”, mentioned Alexandru Ambros, the Mayor of Ungheni municipality.
The new system will ensure that people of Ungheni have access to drinking water and will certainly improve the living conditions of the inhabitants of Ungheni municipality. This is the first infrastructure project launched by the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme.
"The rehabilitation of the water supply system is essential in ensuring the access to qualitative public services both for citizens and businesses, and connecting with the water supply networks from other districts of the city, including the industrial zone of Ungheni, where the Free Economic Zone is located ", says Dima Al-Khatib, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme.
Most public institutions, organizations providing services to citizens, and businesses are located and operate on the Nationala Street, where the new water supply system is built. The Nationala Street is the main street in Ungheni municipality and is one of the longest streets in the city.
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The “EU4Moldova: Focal Regions” programme (2019-2024) supports smart, green, inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in Cahul and Ungheni regions, in order to ensure a better quality of life for citizens. The program has a total budget of 23 million EURO, is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
More details about the Programme's activities in Cahul and Ungheni regions can be found on www.eu4cahul.md and www.eu4ungheni.md
