NORTH MOLDOVA WATER

The project will support a priority investment programme to rehabilitate the water supply systems and to modernize the water treatment in the Northern Region of Moldova. The aim of the project is to create a regional integrated water supply system in Northern Moldova by associating the water service providers in seven districts of the region (Soroca, Balti, Floresti, Drochia, Riscani, Singerei and Telenesti). This would notably enable the connection of several districts to an existing water supply pipeline (Soroca-Balti) to avoid reliance on the abstraction of local groundwater sources not suitable for large scale safe water supply.

The investments are predominantly aimed at rehabilitating water infrastructure (mains, reservoirs, water treatment plant) and at connecting inhabitants currently not benefitting from piped water supply. Energy efficiency will also improve through replacement of very old equipment like water pumps. The project's economic interest is thus directly linked to improving the quality of the environment and reducing public health risks via the adequate supply of drinking water. The project may also contribute to climate change adaptation through the increased supply security provided by the new facilities.

The project will generally benefit the environment and public health, by providing better drinking water to the population, improving the efficiency of the treatment and distribution facilities. The main objective of the project is the compliance with the water quality and service standards as set by the EU directives and partially transposed into national law. Compliance with national EIA legislation that has been drafted by partially transposing EU's EIA Directive will be verified during the appraisal.

The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that implementation of the project will be done in accordance with the Bank's Guide to Procurement.

This operation is covered by the ELM Guarantee.