The World Bank will provide Moldova with $105.98 million to improve roads and border checkpoints under the Moldova Rural Connectivity Project.
In particular, the decision to allocate these funds was approved by the World Bank's Board of Directors. According to the WB report, the implementation of the Moldova Rural Connectivity Project (MRCP - "Moldova Rural Connectivity") will help Moldova improve climate-resilient road communication in rural communities, expand road transit through the border crossings with Romania and promptly and more effectively respond to crises and emergencies. Specifically, the MRCP project will finance the rehabilitation and upgrading of approximately 95 km of 3 priority local roads, applying climate resilient design to provide reliable all-weather connectivity to markets, schools, health facilities, and other social and economic centers. The works include road safety measures near schools and settlements, as well as infrastructure development for non-motorized transport along and near the roads. In addition to construction works, road safety education and information campaigns will be organized to raise awareness and educate the public on road safety measures and practices. Another component of the project is to improve the functionality of the border crossing points between Moldova and Romania. A new border crossing point with modern customs processing, weighing and scanning equipment will be built in Ungheni. Also part of this project is the modernization of checkpoints in Giurgiulesti and Leuseni. " Local roads are essential for rural Moldova, as farmers need roads to market their products, children, and teachers to travel to school, and the elderly to visit healthcare centers," said Inguna Dobraja, WB Country Manager for Moldova. According to her, the improvement of roads will lead to lower transportation costs and higher accessibility, including in the areas adjacent to border crossings, which opens the door for the expansion of international trade. The Moldova Rural Connectivity Project is expected to directly benefit about 42,000 people, 133 businesses, 27 health facilities and 84 schools along the rural roads selected for rehabilitation. The project is also expected to facilitate the shipment of 350,000 to 400,000 heavy loads per year. These benefits will accrue to carriers from Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania whose goods enter, exit, or transit Moldova through border crossing points open to road traffic. Economic benefits will include reduced waiting times for trucks and cars, increased trade, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Since 1992, when Moldova joined the World Bank, more than $2.1 billion has been committed to more than 70 operations in the country. The World Bank's portfolio currently includes 13 active projects totaling $742.9 million. Areas of support include regulatory reforms and business development, modernization of public services, tax administration, land registration, education, roads, health and social sector (including emergency response to COVID-19), agriculture, water and sanitation, and energy sector. // 30.04.2024 - InfoMarket.
