Access road to Beleu Lake rehabilitated with support from the European Union and UNDP was inaugurated

The 650-metre-long access road to Beleu Lake has been inaugurated in Slobozia Mare village, Cahul district. The rehabilitation of the road was made possible thanks to the financial support of the European Union, provided through the «EU4Moldova: Focal Regions» programme, implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.

The €283,000 infrastructure project involved the rehabilitation of the access road, including asphalt surfacing and the construction of 487 square metres of pavement for pedestrians. In addition, the Slobozia Mare town hall has covered, from the public budget, the installation of a car park of 1300 square metres, a public toilet, four streetlamp poles and the installation of guide signs.

The renovated section of the road contributes to boosting the economic development and touristic appeal of the region, as Beleu Lake is part of the Prutul de Jos Biosphere Reserve, included in the UNESCO World Network in 2018. The event took place within the BELEU BIO FEST festival, held on August 13, 2023, which promotes the natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage of the Slobozia Mare region and Lunca de Prutului de Jos. Visitors of the event enjoyed a number of activities such as bird watching, boat and ATV rides, nature hikes, music and dances, and folk crafts exhibitions.

«We thank the European Union and UNDP Moldova for the opportunity to access projects that contribute to local infrastructure development. The renovation of the access road to Beleu Lake was included in the development strategy of the locality since 2016, and thanks to the ‘EU4Moldova: Focal Regions” programme, this important project for our locality was completed and with it, the area of Lunca Prutului de Jos gained added value, becoming a tourist attraction,» noted Valentina Carastan, Mayor of Slobozia Mare village, Cahul district. 

Road rehabilitation supports efforts to create economic opportunities for small local producers, tourism service providers and the population at large. This will create better living conditions for local people and generate more income and new jobs.

“This road is one of the many infrastructure investments supported by the European Union. As a result, I hope that more local citizens and international tourists will be encouraged to enjoy the natural wonders of this place. In the framework of the ‘EU4Moldova: Focal Regions’ Programme, the European Union provides almost €23 million grant funding for a more prosperous future for the citizens of Moldova. This will be achieved through investments in quality local public services, improved infrastructure, support to employment opportunities and business development, and setting foundation for participatory & sustainable regional development,» said Adam Grodzicki, Deputy Head of the Cooperation Section of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova. 

«Promoting the cultural and tourist heritage of this special area such as Lunca Prutului de Jos is of particular importance and brings multiple benefits for both the local community and its visitors. It contributes to increasing the attractiveness and visibility of the region, has a positive impact on the local economy, preserves and renews cultural traditions and contributes to the sustainable development of the community,» said Valeria Ieșeanu, Planning and Partnership Development Specialist, UNDP Moldova.

The construction work took place between June 2022 and August 2023.

“EU4Moldova: Focal Regions” programme (2019-2024) supports smart, inclusive, and sustainable socio-economic development in Cahul and Ungheni regions, to bring a better quality of life to citizens. The programme has a total budget of €23 million, is financed by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).