EU supports the strengthening of the water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Cantemir

The PART II of the Development of Rural Areas in the Republic of Moldova (DevRAM) project is focused on strengthening the water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Cantemir. The project, worth 8.7 million Euro, is financed by the European Union and the Austrian Development Cooperation and focuses on the following objectives:

◊ The construction of a new sewerage system in the center of Cantemir and the extension of the sewer network Cantemir town. The envisaged length of the sewer system to be newly constructed is 18.1 km with 3 wastewater pumping stations to be incorporated.

◊ The construction of a new wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for the town of Cantemir (5,420 Population Equivalent capacity). The design of the WWTP will allow a future extension for the treatment of wastewater from neighbouring localities.

◊The optimisation of the existing water supply system in Cantemir town.

Optimization works will be implemented for the water supply system, which would allow a more efficient and sustainable operation and increase the pumping capacity of raw water up to 60 m3/h.

◊ The implementation of a capacity development component to support Apă Canal Cantemir and Municipality of Cantemir and adapt the existing utility structures, taking into account the principles of cost covering tariffs and sustainable operation and maintenance, as well as social and environmental safeguards according to national and international standards.

In the framework of the DevRAM project, with the financial support of the European Union and the Austrian Development Cooperation, an official visit took place at the construction site of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant in the town of Cantemir on 2 June 2021.

The visit aimed at inspecting the progress of the construction works of the new Wastewater Treatment plant in the town of Cantemir, which shall be finished in August 2021. The project brings modern sustainable infrastructure and public services to the population of the rural areas of the Republic of Moldova. Also, the visit aimed to increase awareness of the population about the benefits and necessity of the improved sanitation with the support of the European Union.

The visit took place with the presence of H.E. Ms Stella Avallone, Ambassador of Austria in the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Mr Pascal Le Deunff, Ambassador of France in the Republic of Moldova, Mia-Fatima Dubois-Boussaid, Attaché – Project Manager at the Delegation of the European Union, Ilona Gruenewald, Project officer for Agriculture and Rural Development at the Delegation of the European Union and Mr Gunther Zimmer, Head of Coordination Office ADA Chisinau.

On 1 July the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) of Cantemir was put into trial operation and filled with wastewater. The formal taking-over of the wastewater system (WWTP and sewer network) is envisaged for the beginning of September 2021 and the final inauguration in October 2021.

The project is of strategic importance and will result in a safe wastewater disposal environment for the people of Cantemir, the households of Cantemir will be connected to a new sewer with a total length of 18 km, with approximately 5,000 of direct beneficiaries. The new wastewater treatment plant will ensure that the wastewater is properly treated and safely discharged, hence the pollution of the soil and groundwater will stop.