The EU investment in improving the efficiency of water supply and sanitation services in Ungheni has exceeded 500 thousand euros
This was reported by the Permanent Representation of the European Union to Moldova, noting that residents of Ungheni municipality and the adjacent settlements of Zagarancea and Semeni now enjoy better and more efficient water supply and sanitation services. The regional operator Apă-Canal Ungheni is equipped with a modern SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) automation system, which allows for real-time monitoring, data collection and remote management of water supply and sanitation networks. This investment contributes to the optimization of energy consumption, reduction of losses and improvement of the quality of services provided to the population. The SCADA system was officially put into operation on April 4 within the framework of the EU4Moldova: Key Regions programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF. As stated by the Mayor of Ungheni, Vitalie Vrabie, the implementation of the SCADA system in Ungheni is an important step towards improving the efficiency and quality of services provided to the population by the regional operator Apă-Canal Ungheni. “This is also a significant step towards achieving our goal of turning Ungheni into a “smart city”. Of course, both the employees of the company and the residents will feel the positive changes, because the system will significantly improve the management of this vital service. We are grateful to the European Union and the EU4 Moldova: Key Regions programme for the invaluable support provided in the implementation of this project, which we have been planning for a long time and finally successfully implemented,” he said. Currently, the Apă-Canal Ungheni network covers 155.4 km of water and 66.5 km of sewer networks. In the past, manual monitoring and telephone control of pressure zones resulted in inefficient management, high operating costs and significant energy losses. Thanks to the SCADA system, energy savings can reach 30%, and the costs of emergency interventions are reduced by up to 60%. The new system includes a control and monitoring center equipped with a high-performance server, modern IT equipment and the latest generation software. Sensors and local control systems are installed in 15 locations - at pumping stations, water treatment stations, pressure boosting stations and wastewater pumping stations, ensuring efficient network management. Data is transmitted via a secure network, which increases the security and operational efficiency of the system. With the support of the EU4Moldova: Key Regions program, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF, a 1,000 cubic meter drinking water storage tank was built at the water treatment station. The integration of the SCADA system, along with the expansion of the water supply network in rural areas, contributes to the protection of underground water resources and ensures constant access to safe drinking water. The new infrastructure will connect 28 rural communities to the centralized water supply system, reducing dependence on well water and significantly reducing the risk of waterborne diseases in these communities. The investment amount, including the implementation of the SCADA system, the construction of a reservoir and the installation of 1,000 water meters, exceeded 500 thousand euros. The EU4Moldova: Key Regions Programme (2019-2025) supports smart, inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in the regions of Cahul and Ungheni, improving the quality of life of the local population. The total budget of the programme is 23 million euros, it is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). // 07.04.2025 – InfoMarket.
