People in localities across the Republic of Moldova will have access to safer, more efficient and more sustainable water supply and sanitation services, while authorities and service operators will have the capacity needed to provide them. This is the main objective of the National Program for the Development of the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector for 2026–2030, approved by the Government. The total estimated cost of the measures planned under the Program for 2026–2030 is approximately 598 million lei, TRIBUNA reports.

“Only two-thirds of homes are connected to the water supply system, and only one-third to sewage. There are particularly many situations in schools where we have a lot of work to do to ensure that all children have access to decent sanitation, and we understand that we will not be able to make these changes without access to European resources as well. It is an ambitious program with high costs, but we cannot afford not to make these changes if we want people to stay here, at home,” said Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.

The document sets out priorities, institutional responsibilities, financing mechanisms and the measures needed to modernize water supply and sanitation services.

One of the Program’s key priorities is to organize water and sanitation services more efficiently. Authorities will promote cooperation between localities and the regionalization of services so that they can be managed more effectively and remain sustainable in the long term.

Particular attention will be paid to local public authorities and service operators, especially in rural areas. They will benefit from measures aimed at developing their administrative, technical and financial capacities, improving management and performance, and preparing water safety and service improvement plans.

“The objective is simple: to achieve access to safe water sources for at least 95% of the population and to sewage networks for at least 65%, ensuring good and safe services for people,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Vladimir Bolea.

At the same time, the regulatory, authorization and oversight framework for the sector will be strengthened. In the field of sanitation, the Program provides for measures to implement wastewater treatment requirements in line with European Union legislation and international environmental standards.