“EU4Moldova: Local Communities” — Integrated waste management to Iargara, ceremony for handover of essential equipment

As the Republic of Moldova continues its path towards European Union accession, a key area of focus is the modernization of its waste management system. In alignment with EU environmental standards, this effort will significantly improve waste collection services and promote a more sustainable future for the country.

With support of the European Union, German and Austrian international development cooperation, the local authorities of Iargara town and the communes of Cazangic, Saratica Noua, Sarata Noua, Tigheci, and Baius are implementing their Service Improvement Plans in solid waste management and water supply and sanitation. This includes development of small infrastructure measures, to raise awareness about environmental protection, connect vulnerable families to public services, improve service quality, inform and involve the community in decision-making process. As a result, 13,000 residents of these areas will benefit from a cleaner environment and better water access.

To support this crucial objective, a set of essential waste management equipment was handed over to Iargara Municipality, with the support of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), through the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme.

The Iargara project specifically tackles waste collection and sorting inefficiencies. To address these challenges, Iargara Municipality received a substantial donation of integrated waste management equipment. The donation included:

• one garbage truck to streamline waste collection routes
• minivan to enhance logistical operations
• one backhoe loader to provide support at the designated waste disposal site
• various waste operational equipment.

Furthermore, nearly 5,000 waste bins in various sizes and colours were provided to encourage residents to adopt waste sorting practices at home. The value of the donated equipment amounts to 280,000.00 EUR.

On the same day, a grant certificate with a total value of 180.000 euros was handed over to a selected local NGO, with the aim to improve the Local Public Service Delivery in 6 selected communities from Leova rayon.

Moldova’s commitment to a clean environment

Moldova’s Minister of Environment, Sergiu Lazarencu, emphasized the importance of a clean environment and a functioning waste management system for public health, economic development, and upholding fundamental human rights during the handover ceremony of essential waste management equipment to Iargara Municipality.

«The 6 communities that applied to this project demonstrate that local authorities can find practical solutions for waste management, even when funds are limited, and I am glad that the over 13,000 inhabitants will have quality sanitation services and, respectively, cleaner localities and a more comfortable life.

I am grateful to the development partners who, through such funding projects, not only help us to have cleaner villages and towns, but also support the Government’s efforts to build the necessary infrastructure to solve the waste problem in the Republic of Moldova and create a cleaner, more sustainable and healthier environment,» said Lazarencu.

EU-Moldova collaboration: building a greener future

The Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks, congratulated the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme for being a cornerstone for building a brighter future and improving essential public services, particularly waste management at local level. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and a shared responsibility for achieving a cleaner environment:

«The ‘EU4Moldova: Local Communities’ programme focuses on improving crucial public services, such as sanitation and waste management, as we see here today in Iargara,» said Ambassador Mažeiks. «Waste can become a resource itself, sending waste to landfill should be the last resort. Efficient waste collection, separation, recycling and responsible waste disposal are fundamental tasks for the preservation of the environment and our health, improving the quality of life of citizens across the country. The cooperation and joint effort of the six local public authorities is remarkable in this demonstration project, as well as the spirit of collaboration between the European Union, its member states and Moldova on these important social and environmental protection initiatives.»

Ambassador Mažeiks also highlighted the EU’s commitment to Moldova’s green future through various initiatives, including the EU4Moldova and EU4Environment programmes. These programmes offer financial aid, technical expertise, and support for capacity building to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices across Moldova.

Austria’s support for Moldova

Stella Avallone, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Moldova, highlighted Austria’s commitment to supporting Moldova’s development through the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme. This initiative focuses on empowering local communities by improving public services and water, sanitation and waste management infrastructure.

Ambassador Avallone offered Austria’s extensive experience in sustainable waste management as a valuable resource for collaboration. She proposed knowledge exchange, capacity building programmes, and public awareness campaigns as potential areas of partnership to improve waste management practices in Moldova:

«On behalf of the Republic of Austria, it is my honour to be here today to highlight a collaborative effort that holds great promise for the future of Moldova: the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme. This initiative, funded by the European Union with co-financing from Austria and other partners (BMZ and Polish aid), recognizes the fundamental importance of strong local communities in Moldova’s development. Austria is proud to contribute its expertise in sustainable waste management to this programme, and we believe knowledge exchange, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns can be particularly very useful for the local communities.»

Project Details: Empowering Iargara and neighbouring communities

The EU4Moldova: Local Communities programme is a Team Europe initiative, funded by the EU, the governments of Germany, Austria and Poland, which prioritizes improving the livelihood in the rayons of Edinet, Straseni, and Leova. In Iargara town, Leova Rayon, the project focuses on improved solid waste management. This programme extends to neighbouring municipalities, including Tigheci, Băiuș, and Sarata-Nouă, benefiting over 16,500 people.

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.