The windmill in Gaidar village, built at the end of the 19^th century, will soon reopen its doors, also as a touristic site. The European Union will finance its restoration and conservation in the framework of the EU Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP.

The design sketches for restoring the windmill from Gaidar village were already developed based on local and international regulations for conservation of cultural heritage.

The aim for restoring the windmill is to preserve all its original elements. The assessment undertaken for the windmill’s current shape and conditions concluded that many of its elements are still functional. Some of the elements will be restored or conserved, others will be replaced by new, but all works will be carried out by preserving the authenticity of the place.

After restauration and conversation, the windmill will become operational again. Hence, visitors will be able to see the flour milling process. The working capacity of the mill is rather small, only several dozens of kilograms per day, but this is just enough to make a little trip back in the history.

The windmill from Gaidar will be also included in the sightseeing tours. Recreation spaces will be envisaged for visitors. Those interested will participate in cooking local dishes using the freshly milled flour. The design sketches also include the building of some gazebos. All additional spaces will be built and equipped by the local mayoralty.

A public call has been announced at this stage and all companies that are able to undertake such restoration and conservation works are invited to participate. The winning company will be selected in line with the UNDP procurement procedures. Details about the participation rules, as well as instructions on how to prepare and submit the application are available here.

Gaidar windmill was built at the end of the 19^th century. It is fully made of wood, including the mechanisms for cereals’ processing. The mill was operational until 2005. There are four such windmills in total in the Republic of Moldova, and only the one in Gaidar is still in comparatively good shape. The uniqueness of the respective mill is the fact that only one person may manage all the processes carried out within it.

Gaidar windmill is part of a comprehensive programme for the restoration and conservation of ten small scale cultural-historical sites in both banks of the River Nistru under the European Union Confidence Building Measures Programme (2019-2023), implemented by UNDP. The Programme contributes to enhancing the trust among the people from both banks of the Nistru by engaging them in joint development projects.