The WB will allocate $40 million for the implementation of Strengthening Moldova’s Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Project
This is stipulated by a relevant loan agreement between Moldova and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (a member of the World Bank Group) for the implementation of the above-mentioned project, the ratification of which was adopted by Parliament in the first reading. In general, Moldova will receive from the World Bank on favorable terms a loan of $40 million for 30 years with a 5-year vacation on payments. The loan will be repaid semi-annually. The project implementation period is 5 years. Its objective is to improve Moldova's preparedness and response to natural disasters and climate change shocks that threaten lives, homes and critical infrastructure, and, in the event of such a crisis or emergency, to respond quickly and effectively. Under the project, the World Bank will support the development of an emergency and disaster alert system for citizens via cell phone. Citizens will be notified of emergencies and disasters via cell phone. At the same time, $5 million will be allocated for the development of the public warning system (PWS). In particular, a PWS system based on cell phones with national coverage will be installed and put into operation. This will enable rapid dissemination of emergency warnings, resulting in saving lives and reducing material losses. The national mobile electronic public warning system, being integrated with existing meteorological, hydrological and geological information systems, will significantly improve the country's preparedness to deal with natural disasters such as floods, fires and earthquakes. In addition, $22.5 million will be used to purchase emergency response vehicles and other equipment, including search and rescue and logistics containers to be used by the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations. Another $1.5 million is earmarked for emergency preparedness of the population. Also, $6 million will be invested in improving hydrometeorological services. The hydrometeorological observation systems will be modernized, and forecast visualization systems and meteorological workstations will be installed at the State Hydrometeorological Service. The project also includes a component to support policy, regulatory measures, and technical studies to better assess and manage climate-related natural risks. $2 million will be allocated for a feasibility study on seismic risk reduction, as well as for the development of a national methodology for seismic and disaster risk mapping for both residential and public buildings. // 14.03.2025 - InfoMarket.
