Firstly, in Moldova 80% of residential buildings are covered with roofs made of slate containing the carcinogen asbestos. These are mostly private houses in rural areas, but in Chisinau such buildings are almost half of them – 48%, and in Balti even more – 78%.
Slate causes cancer of respiratory organs
“Moreover, slate roofs were found in 28% of new buildings built in 2016-2024, despite the fact that the import and sale of materials containing asbestos were banned back in 2016,” says Marina Solovieva, program director of the Independent Center Expert grup Marina Solovieva. – Except for slate sheets. Slate sheets, for unknown reasons, were banned only in 2024. At the same time, if there is already a slate roof, the owners have no obligation to dismantle it. As slate decomposes and crumbles, it releases dust into the air, which can cause respiratory cancer and other respiratory diseases”.
According to the expert, about 1000 people in Moldova get lung, trachea or bronchial cancer every year, and this number is growing from year to year. It is one of the most common cancers in Moldova, after breast cancer. Deaths from other diseases of the respiratory system are about 1,700 per year.
“This is a humanitarian catastrophe that requires urgent action,” continues Marina Solovieva. – In addition, slate roofs are also an issue of energy efficiency of buildings, as they let in a lot of heat. Instead of PR projects like “European Yard”, the state could engage in urgent replacement of slate roofs, as well as a program for their recycling, since simply thrown to the landfill sheets crumble just like roofs”.
In Chisinau, 67% of houses are not equipped with ramps
Secondly, it is striking that in the XXI century, 67% of apartment buildings in Chisinau are still not equipped with ramps for strollers and wheelchairs. In Balti, there are even more such buildings – 82%.
“It seems that our cities are adapted for the convenience of healthy men (and that is relative), but not for moms or people with disabilities,” she states. – This also affects the labor market: the share of employment among people with disabilities in Moldova in 2025 was only 14%. It is difficult to get a job when you can’t even leave the house”.
The problem of dilapidated housing needs to be addressed
The expert also notes the significant dilapidation of the housing stock. A total of 81% of residential buildings in Moldova were built before independence (before 1991).
“Almost a third – 29% – were built before Gagarin flew into space (before 1961),” she says. – These buildings are now at least 65 years old. In Chisinau, the proportions are 49% and 18%, respectively. The issue of dilapidated buildings is still coming in the door sideways, but soon it will turn to the full width. I would like the authorities, including local authorities, to have a plan for this”.
