“Păcii” and “Prietenii” Streets from Coșnița, Dubăsari district, are becoming models of local infrastructure, with support from the EU and UNDP

Two streets in the village of Coșnița, Dubăsari district, are becoming models of local infrastructure. With support from the EU Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP, sidewalks covering a total area of over 2,160 m² have been modernized and upgraded. The infrastructure project is the result of a joint financial effort, with the European Union allocating over US$108,000, while the local community provided co-financing of $17,500.

Now, the approximately 6,000 residents, as well as visitors of Coșnița village, enjoy not only the comfort but also the safety provided by the local infrastructure.

“I live on Prieteniei Street, and we had problems because when the children went to school, they couldn’t walk on the sidewalk; they had to walk in the middle of the road. But that was a problem because cars drive fast. Now we have a sidewalk, and it’s nice, it’s for people,” says with joy Elena, a resident of the Coșnița village.

Since the spring of 2024, the village of Coșnița, along with 11 other communities on both banks of the Nistru, has been involved in a participatory process to define development priorities. In their case, the priority was the modernization of the two streets. It was also decided to raise funds, including from the diaspora, to develop the green space on “Prieteniei” Street in the village of Coșnița.

With the money collected by the local community and a contribution from the town hall, 126 trees of three varieties were purchased: Canadian redbud, maple, and catalpa.

“We are absolutely delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute and be part of an initiative that leaves something good and valuable for the people and future generations of the Cosnița community. For our family, our involvement in this campaign stemmed from our love and respect for the place we call home, and the results fill us with pride and gratitude. We thank everyone involved and those who contributed, including financially, to make this beautiful project a reality for our community,” says Inga Cotelea, a native of the village of Cosnița who now lives in the U.S.

One of the six infrastructure projects on both banks of the Nistru River selected to receive support from the EU and UNDP was implemented in Coșnița.

Thus, the European Union and UNDP continue to support improved cooperation between communities on both banks of the Nistru River through joint projects involving local partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.