Moldovan President Maia Sandu announced the launch of the National Program for Local Development "European Village".
This program will support infrastructure projects for the country's communities. The head of state noted that mayor's offices can submit proposals for projects for the construction or modernization of water supply and sewerage systems, the repair of kindergartens, schools, cultural centers and other local infrastructure facilities. Proposals for local business development and energy efficiency improvements can also be made, and resources for project co-financing can be obtained from external sources. The program will operate on the basis of an open and transparent competition, and submitted project proposals will be judged based on clear criteria. “Participation of citizens is very important both in the process of developing projects and in the course of their implementation. I urge citizens to actively participate in the process of preparing proposals and closely monitor the progress of work in order to be sure that the money allocated for projects was carefully used and went exclusively for the cause and benefit of the people,” Maia Sandu said in a video message to citizens. She noted that this year the budget of the Program of Local Development Projects is 470 million lei. Another 300 million lei in the program are allocated for regional development projects. “Now we are negotiating with external partners on obtaining additional funding and replenishing the budget of the program at their expense,” the head of state said. According to the president, this summer projects will be implemented in many settlements of the country that will change people's lives for the better, which will be concrete, real steps by the authorities to modernize communities according to European standards. “Our cities and villages will meet European standards. In the "European village" all people live well. There is piped water, sewerage and waste management system, smooth roads and street lighting. They send their children to kindergarten or school, have access to quality health care, care for the environment, and can find a job or develop a business in their community or region. European Moldova is a country with European villages and cities, where everything works, and people live in prosperity and peace,” Maia Sandu emphasized in her address. More information about the European Village program is available on the website: www.satuleuropean.gov.md. As noted, local public authorities can submit applications for funding along with supporting documents to the offices of the Regional Development Agencies (North, Center, South, Gagauzia) from March 22 to April 20. It was agreed that the National Fund for Regional and Local Development is the main source of financing for regional and local development programs. The Fund will finance projects such as water supply and sewerage, thermal insulation of buildings, increasing tourist attractiveness, and developing economic infrastructure. For 2022, about 770 million lei have been allocated for regional and local development. At the same time, 300 million lei are intended to improve the regional technical and communal infrastructure (aqueducts, sewerage), the economic development of the regions by improving the business support infrastructure and creating jobs in the development regions (Regional Development Program). Herewith, 470 million lei is provided for the improvement of technical and communal infrastructure at the level of settlements, for the construction and repair of social infrastructure (schools, kindergartens, cultural centers, children's playgrounds, sports grounds, sports halls) and the energy efficiency of the event (Program of local development). // 21.03.2022 — InfoMarket
