European Union provides modern equipment and machinery to safely and sustainably operate the modern sewerage system in Cantemir
In the framework of the Development of Rural Areas in the Republic of Moldova (DevRAM) project, financed by the European Union and the Austrian Development Cooperation, the construction of the sewer system of Cantemir is being finalized and tested in parallel.
The system is operational from August 2021 with further official commissioning and take-over in September-October 2021.
Moreover, the water utility has approximately 20 km sewer pipelines installed underground and requires proper and regular inspections. Their maintenance, operation and even future extension of these pipelines is fundamental for the development of Cantemir. In support, a 90,000 EUR JCB 4CX Sitemaster backhoe loader that was handed over to the water utility “Apa Canal Cantemir” to improve the water supply and wastewater collection service of the Cantemir town. The handing-over took place in Cantemir with the participation of the representatives of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and Cantemir public authorities.
Present at the handing-over Mrs. Mia Dubois-Boussaid, Attaché – Project Manager, mentioned “The Development of Rural Areas of Moldova (DevRAM) project is under completion and provides a safe and modern sewer system already now. The project is financed by the European Union and Austrian Development cooperation with strong commitment from the local and central authorities and citizens of Cantemir. Moreover, the water utility Apa Canal Cantemir is adequately staffed and was today equipped with a new backhoe loader in order to sustainably operate the water supply and sewerage system of the Municipality of Cantemir. This project is of strategic importance for the Cantemir town and will result in a safe wastewater disposal environment. The new WWTP ensures that the wastewater is properly treated and safely discharged, hence improving the hygiene and avoiding health risks, while stopping the pollution of the soil and groundwater.”
Also, the water utility Apa Canal Cantemir benefits from the on-the-job training programme for proper and sustainable operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant from the consultants, construction company and suppliers.
Dr. Gunther Zimmer, Counsellor and Head of ADA Country Office in Moldova, stressed out that “This project creates a safe wastewater disposal environment for approximately 5.000 people of Cantemir. The people of Cantemir are befitting from this modern and fundamental public infrastructure. As of 1st July 2021, the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is in the testing mode and 50% of the households are connected already to the new sewer! This measure, which contributes blatantly to the health, hygiene and water supply of the population, will be available to the people of Cantemir by September 2021. This EU and ADA financed Project and others to follow, will contribute to the implementation of Moldova’s strategic goals in the areas of sustainable water supply, sewage and wastewater treatment and implementing the 6th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6) – “Clean water and sanitation for all”.
The final inauguration ceremony of the “DevRAM project Part II – Wastewater System” is envisaged for 7 October 2021. The total budget of the DevRAM project PART II “Strengthening the water supply and sanitation infrastructure in rural areas focusing on safe wastewater disposal in the town of Cantemir” is 8.7 million Euro, jointly funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Cooperation.
Local authorities emphasize the importance of proper usage of the sewer system. Citizens should not dispose prohibited items in the sewer system such as wet tissues, diapers, plastic and rubber items. Disposal of such items can clog the sewer system and have negative consequences both on consumers and the system itself.
