Modern recycling point launched in northern Moldovan district

Chisinau, 25 November /MOLDPRES/ - A new service of separate waste collection will serve over 45,000 people from 27 settlements of the northern Soldanesti and Rezina districts. The residents will collect waste in four categories and will place them in special containers for paper, glass, Tetra Pak and residual waste, the government’s communication and media relations department has reported.

Prime Minister Iurie Leanca stressed that such projects contributed to Moldova’s modernisation and sustainable development.

"I am very pleased with this event; this is an element of modernisation, an event that brings Europe to Moldova. This will be a cleaner environment and a waste-free environment means a sounder environment,"  said Iurie Leanca.

The prime minister also attended a practical demonstration of how to collect waste separately.

The separate waste collection service was created within a pilot project titled "Modernisation of local public services in Moldova", supported by the German government through its Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

The total budget is 2.2 million euros - a contribution from the German government, as well as 10,750 euros from Soldanesti district council.

Iurie Leanca thanked the foreign partners for the technical and financial assistance provided and expressed the wish to extend these regional projects throughout the country. "I thank our German friends, the sum of 2.2 million is a significant one. The important thing is not to stop here, but to expand cooperation with other regions of Moldova ", said Iurie Leanca.

According to Soldanesti mayor Alexandru Tinica, around 260 platforms were built, containers with distinctive labels were purchased and placed, specialised vehicles, equipment for recycling etc. were bought within the project.

The monthly cost of the service is 8 lei per person for rural residents and 10 lei - for the inhabitants of the cities, and 150 lei/month for public institutions and companies for one cubic meter of waste. Special trucks will carry waste 3 times a week in towns and once a week in villages.

Furthermore, two recycling centres will be built in Soldanesti and Floresti, and an Inter-community Centre for Solid Waste Management will be constructed in Parcani, Soldanesti district.