EU4Moldova: Local Communities provides safe drinking water to Edineț and Cupcini!
Edineț and Cupcini towns now have access to safe drinking water in their homes, businesses, and schools. The official inauguration of the Edineț Water Treatment Plant took place on June 24th, marking a significant milestone for the region. The project was funded by the European Union, Austria, and the Republic of Moldova within the framework of the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme.
The total investment for the construction of the Water Treatment Plant, the rehabilitation of three pumping stations, partial rehabilitation of the water transmission line from the water reservoir, and the construction of the intake pumping station amounted to approximately 6 million EUR. Around 25,800 inhabitants of Edineț Municipality and Cupcini town benefit from these improved services and reliable access to high-quality drinking water.
Denis Lungul, State Secretary, Ministry Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Moldova, highlighted the importance of the project for the region’s residents: “Today, we celebrate a vital accomplishment for northern Moldova. This project stands as a commitment and the Government’s strategic priority of ensuring that citizens in every region have access to safe, high-quality public services. We are grateful to the European Union and the Government of Austria for their strong partnership in this endeavor and congratulate the implementation teams. The new Water Treatment Plant in Edineț and Cupcini is a cornerstone of our broader efforts to modernize local communities and enhance the quality of life for all citizens of the Republic of Moldova”
During the implementation period, the following objectives were achieved:
- A new Water Treatment Plant with a daily production capacity of 5,184 m³;
- One rehabilitated reservoir to secure clean water storage and constant flow;
- A new raw water intake and pumping station at the Racovăț Reservoir (Bădragii-Vechi lake) with a 90 l/s capacity, alongside the reconstruction of 2 km of the existing transmission main in critical areas;
- New pumps and electrical systems at three pumping stations and preparation of technical teams to ensure water and energy-efficient reliable operation.
On this occasion, Iwona Piórko, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, stated: “The European Union stands in full solidarity with the people of the Republic of Moldova. The completion of this Water Treatment Plant is a clear example of what our partnership can achieve. This project is a tangible demonstration of our shared commitment to Moldova’s European future. I am particularly heartened to see how the determination of local communities, supported by Team Europe, is delivering tangible improvements to people’s lives. By ensuring safe drinking water to thousands of residents, we are doing more than building infrastructure; we are investing in health, dignity, and quality public services, while creating a better future for the generations to come”
The project was implemented by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), as part of the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme, which was launched in 2022 as a Team Europe initiative. Designed to improve the quality of life and strengthen community resilience, the programme’s comprehensive objectives include enhancing local public services and expanding access to essential infrastructure, with implementation of concrete interventions in the partner rayons of Edineț, Strășeni, and Leova. These rural development initiatives included fostering business development, creating job opportunities, and supporting community-led local development.
Heinz Habertheuer, Director for International Programmes and Projects at the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), declared: “The completion of this Water Treatment Plant represents a key milestone in our efforts to provide high-quality public services in Edineț and Cupcini. By integrating modern technology with sustainable natural resource management, we are ensuring that approximately 25,800 residents benefit from reliable access to safe drinking water. Our ongoing partnership with Moldova continues to prioritize investments in education and climate-resilient infrastructure, fostering inclusive economic growth across the country’s regions.”
The plant was officially inaugurated while Constantin Cojocaru, Mayor of Edinet Municipality, thanked the European partners and noted: “The inauguration of this Water Treatment Plant is a historic day for Edineț and Cupcini. For too long, our residents and institutions faced significant challenges with water quality; today, thanks to the generous support of the European Union, Austria and central government, safe drinking water is a reality in our homes, schools, and hospitals. This flagship facility represents the modernization we have long envisioned for our municipality and is our first step in the rehabilitation of the whole water supply and wastewater systems. We are deeply grateful to our partners for this vital investment in the health and prosperity of our local communities”
Disclaimer:
This event was organized within the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme, financed by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the International Partnerships Austria 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.
The content of the press release belongs to the authors and does not necessarily reflect the vision of the above-mentioned partners.
