DURUITOAREA VECHE, RÎȘCANI.  September 6, 2012. A water pipeline was opened in the village Duruitoarea Veche in the Riscani district. It will provide drinking water to nearly 400 villagers. The water supply and sanitation project is managed by North Regional Development Agency, with the support of and in partnership with the project "Modernization of local public services in Moldova", implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

The investments have amounted to over 2.2 million lei. So far, over 100 households were connected. In total, the water supply systems that have been built include 7.5 km and 3.3 km of sewers.

"This project is unique because it offers people the access to water and sanitation. What impressed us is the activism that people displayed by collecting a contribution of over 100 thousand lei, which is significant for this small town", said North Regional Development Agency Director, Ion BODRUG, to launch the aqueduct.

The mayor of Costesti, Ion PLEȘCA, said: "In 2006, we had about 40 wells in the village. Today we have only 3, and the water is not potable. That is why I insisted to bring tap water for this community to survive."

"We hope that this experience will be multiplied at the district and country level. For the Riscani district, water and sanitation are basis of socio-economic development strategy "said President of Riscani, Ion PAREA.

"Ana Gutuleac, a young mother, says her life changed dramatically after connecting to the water:" You no longer have to carry water for domestic needs and not to worry about your child bathing in turbid water. This project is a blessing for me. "

Next year, 6 km of sewage construction is expected. Water and sewage service will be managed by municipal enterprises "Apa-Canal" from Costesti. GIZ assisted in developing a business plan so that the project is efficient, benefits the public, and is profitable. By end of 2012, JSC "Apa-Canal" from Costesti will receive funding from GIZ for office repairs and the purchase of equipment necessary for the proper functioning of operations.

On the component of water supply and sewerage, GIZ also says there will be another pilot project in the village of Roșu in the Cahul district. GIZ's approach is to foster intercommunity cooperation, such as joining neighboring towns to provide services to increase efficiency and minimize costs.

Recently, the Cahul and Riscani district councils also approved the updated components of the water and sewer district strategies for socio-economic development. With the assistance of GIZ, the localities were grouped together for water and sewerage services, depending on access to river basins, rather than administrative boundaries. Subsequently, municipalities will be assisted in developing technical documentation for procurement, as well as feasibility studies to attract investment more easily in the sector.

Also, local governments are supported in expansion and modernization of local public services in two other areas: energy efficiency and solid waste management. GIZ project support is provided through Regional Development Agencies. The project assists in planning and regional planning.

The project "Modernization of local public services in Moldova" implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) is supported by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.