During a meeting held on Tuesday, July 28, Vasile Tofan and Paun Rogovei discussed the importance of bilateral cooperation in the management of the Dniester River’s water resources, as well as the timely exchange of information in light of the current hydrological situation.
According to a government statement, “the parties expressed confidence that active dialogue between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine will make it possible to achieve all the goals included in the bilateral agenda.”
Resumption of the Intergovernmental Commission’s Work
For its part, the Ukrainian Embassy in Moldova reports that the meeting also highlighted the importance of resuming the work of the Ukrainian-Moldovan Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation by the end of this year. The need to hold a meeting in the near future at the level of the Commission’s co-chairs to determine the specific agenda for its next session was also discussed.
Ensuring Water Supply for the Population Is a Priority
The hydrological situation on the Dniester was also discussed at the government meeting. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan stated that the situation is complex but manageable, and that the authorities must be prepared for possible developments.
According to him, there has been extremely little precipitation in the Carpathians, and the water level in the Dniester is at one of the lowest levels in recorded history. The reservoirs of the Novodnestrovsk Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Dubossary Reservoir are also at their lowest levels.
The prime minister noted that the authorities’ top priority is to ensure the population has access to drinking water. Water supply operators must update their business continuity plans, and local authorities must inspect wells, reservoirs, and available backup water sources.
Appeal to the Capital’s Authorities
Particular attention is being paid to the Chisinau water intake station, built in the 1960s. Vasile Tofan warned that if the Dniester River’s level drops below the mark required for the station to operate, it will be unable to draw water.
“I am also appealing to the Chisinau City Hall to engage in constructive cooperation and, when necessary, to set aside political differences, as these are of no concern to the people. If the situation worsens, non-essential uses will be restricted first: certain types of irrigation, some industrial processes, surface washing, and other secondary uses of water. “The Ministry of the Environment, local authorities, and water operators will keep the public informed clearly and in a timely manner. The information must be accurate, reassuring, and free of conflicting messages,” the prime minister stated.
“We don’t need panic; we need discipline, coordination, and swift action from all government agencies, including local public administration bodies,” added Vasile Tofan.
State of Heightened Readiness
As a reminder, on Tuesday, July 28, the government declared a 30-day state of alert (high alert) in the field of hydrology. A meeting of the Moldovan-Ukrainian Commission on the Dniester is scheduled for July 31.
