Moldova will receive $40 million from the World Bank for the implementation of the disaster risk management and country resilience support project
This is provided for by the relevant loan agreement between Moldova and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (part of the World Bank Group) for the implementation of the said project, which was ratified by the Moldovan Parliament. It is stipulated that, in total, Moldova will receive a $40 million loan from the World Bank on preferential terms for a period of 30 years with a 5-year grace period. The loan will be repaid every six months. The project implementation period is 5 years. Its goal is to improve Moldova’s preparedness and response to natural disasters and climate-related shocks that threaten lives, homes and critical infrastructure, as well as to respond quickly and effectively to them in the event of such a crisis or emergency. As part of the project, the World Bank will support the development of a mobile phone alert system for citizens about emergencies and natural disasters. Citizens will receive alerts about emergencies and natural disasters via mobile phones. At the same time, $5 million will be allocated for the development of the public warning system. In particular, a PWS system based on mobile phones with national coverage will be installed and put into operation. This will allow for the prompt dissemination of emergency warnings, which will lead to saving lives and reducing material losses. The national population warning system based on mobile electronic communications, being integrated with existing meteorological, hydrological and geological information systems, will significantly increase the country's level of preparedness to combat 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, which will be used by the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations. Another $1.5 million is intended to ensure the population's preparedness for emergencies. Also, $6 million will be invested in improving hydrometeorological services. Hydrometeorological observation systems will be upgraded, 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 research 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. // 27.03.2025 — InfoMarket
