Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Sanitation & Water Systems in Leova rayon
A significant milestone was marked in modernising sanitation and water infrastructure and promoting inclusive local development in Leova rayon through the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme – a Team Europe initiative.
A Groundbreaking ceremony was held in Hănăsenii Noi, officially launching the sanitation & water systems projects in Leova rayon, specifically for the villages of Sîrma and Hănăsenii Noi, as well as at the Leova Vocational School. These projects are set to directly benefit approx. 700 people by providing access to safe, modern and comfortable sanitation.
The scope of the works includes:
- construction of two local wastewater treatment plants;
- construction of new sanitary units in public institutions;
- connection of key public institutions such as schools, kindergartens, medical centres, and town halls to sewer system;
- installation of new sewage networks;
- opportunities for households and businesses to connect to the new systems.
These investments will not only enhance public health and environmental conditions but also significantly raise the quality of life in the targeted communities. These development projects in Sîrma, Hănăsenii Noi and at the Leova Vocational School are funded through an investment of approx. EUR 390,000, financed by the European Union (EU), the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), and Local Public Authorities (LPAs). Implementation is led by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). These initiatives are part of the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme, a Team Europe initiative.
“The European Union is proud to support Moldova as it builds stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities—concrete steps that bring the country closer to the European family. Through programmes like ‘EU4Moldova: Local Communities,’ we are not just improving public services and infrastructure, we are advancing Moldova’s path toward EU accession by investing in people, institutions, and shared values”, stated Máté Csicsai, Deputy Head of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.
Sandra Horina, Counsellor & Head of Coordination Office for Technical Cooperation, Austrian Embassy in Chisinau: “Austria’s commitment through the Austrian Development Cooperation is to ensure that technical assistance translates into tangible improvements in people’s everyday lives. Clean water and safe sanitation are not privileges, but basic rights—and today, we are making those rights a reality for the residents of Leova rayon.”
The government and the local public authorities have been in continuous collaboration with development partners. Many efforts have been made to advance common goals along Moldova’s development path—primarily benefiting local communities, while also supporting the EU accession process more broadly.
Corneliu Cirimpei, Secretary of State, Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development: “This project is a clear example of how national priorities—like improving basic infrastructure and reducing disparities between urban and rural areas—can be achieved through effective local and international partnerships. By modernising wastewater systems, we are not only safeguarding public health but also laying the foundation for sustainable regional development.”
Nicolae Popa, President of Leova rayon: “For our communities, this is more than an infrastructure project—it is a promise fulfilled. With this support from the EU and Austria, we are turning long-standing challenges into real progress, improving the wellbeing of our residents and creating a better future for the next generations.”
Context
This event was organised within the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme, financed by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland – Polish aid; and jointly implemented by the German Development Cooperation through GIZ, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL) in Moldova.
