Currently, only 9.9% of Moldova’s settlements have centralized sewer systems, and in rural areas, this figure is just 2.9%. Furthermore, about 63% of the wastewater generated in the country is neither collected nor treated at licensed treatment plants, and not a single wastewater treatment plant fully complies with European standards.
Unfair Rates
The significant difference in rates between regions also remains a serious problem. For example, in Chisinau, a household consuming 10 cubic meters of water per month pays about 186 lei, whereas in Cahul the same service costs approximately 381 lei, and in Glodeni—more than 880 lei. Consequently, residents of small towns may pay nearly five times more for the same basic service than residents of the capital.
The government proposes amending the regulatory framework to bring the wastewater collection and treatment system into compliance with European Union requirements, as well as to improve environmental protection and public health.
….And Sewer Systems Across the Country
The project calls for the expansion of sewer systems in all settlements with a population of over 1,000 residents, which includes the development of networks in approximately 749 settlements. It also provides for the construction and modernization of wastewater treatment plants, the introduction of modern wastewater treatment technologies, investments in monitoring systems and institutional capacity building, and the use of renewable energy sources in the water supply and sewerage sector.
According to the authorities, implementing these measures will reduce surface water pollution, improve public access to wastewater and sanitation services, and contribute to the protection of public health, especially in rural areas.
The Cost: 2.04 Billion Euros
To comply with the requirements of the European Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, the Republic of Moldova will need approximately 2.04 billion euros in investments. According to the draft regulatory act, the amount of investment required significantly exceeds the state’s short-term financial capacity. Therefore, in addition to funds from the national budget, the plan is to secure financing from local budgets, European Union funds, as well as through loans and grants from international financial institutions and development partners.
At the same time, the authorities emphasize that the project does not provide for the establishment of new tariffs for water supply and sewerage services. However, it cannot be ruled out that some of the costs associated with meeting the new requirements may be factored into the rates. For this reason, the reforms will be implemented in phases, and investment planning will take into account the need to maintain the affordability of services and protect socially vulnerable households.
