MOLDPRES INTERVIEW // Director of South Regional Development Agency says Agency creating better living conditions, easier life for thousands of residents

The South Regional Development Agency (ADR South) concluded the 2025 year with impressive results in terms of investments and infrastructure projects implemented in localities of southern Moldova. Hundreds of millions of lei were used for modernizing public services, expanding water and sewer networks, enhancing the energy efficiency of institutions and revitalizing urban spaces, with a direct impact on tens of thousands of residents.

ADR South Director Nicolae Hristov spoke in an interview with the MOLDPRES Agency about the achievements, ongoing projects and priorities set for 2026.

MOLDPRES: Mr. Director, 2025 has been described as a historic year for ADR South. What makes it so important?

Nicolae Hristov: Indeed, 2025 was a landmark year for the South Regional Development Agency. Under the aegis of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, we managed to fully use 151 million lei allocated by the government of Moldova, to which were added 8.2 million lei in contributions from local public authorities. Essentially, we are talking about direct investments in infrastructure that have led to a visible improvement in living conditions for the region’s residents.

MOLDPRES: What progress have you made in the field of programming and regional cooperation?

Nicolae Hristov: We placed major emphasis on strengthening the capacities of local public authorities and regional stakeholders. We organized training sessions dedicated to effective participation in project competitions and provided technical assistance for drafting urban revitalization programmes and implementing the National Program for the Development of Growth Pole Cities 2021–2027.

The South Regional Development Council convened at three sessions, during which 12 important decisions were adopted for good governance and the continuity of regional policies. In parallel, we facilitated exchanges of good practices and study visits, and at the economic level we promoted the region’s potential both nationally and internationally.

The results are concrete: we have prepared and submitted three strategic projects, and for 2025, 24 new projects worth 952 million lei were included in the programming documents. At the same time, 18 financing contracts were signed with local public authorities.

MOLDPRES: How have these programmes materialized into concrete projects for citizens?

Nicolae Hristov: In the field of project management, we also had a record – 158 million lei used for infrastructure.

In Cahul, we thermally insulated Kindergarten No. 4, improving conditions for approximately 200 children and 37 employees, and the street lighting project will soon serve around 30,000 residents. In Causeni, we built sewer networks for 7,600 residents and modernized the wastewater treatment plant, with a direct impact on 16,000 people and the prospect of extending services to approximately 81,000 residents from nearby localities. In the same town, the revitalization of the Causenii Vechi (Old Causeni) area includes a sports complex, thermal insulation of public institutions and playgrounds for more than 3,200 residents.

In Cimislia, a production hall was built, which starting in 2026 will host six entrepreneurs and a pumping station will enable another 5,200 people to be connected to sewerage services. In Leova, 18,000 people from 20 settlements will have access to drinking water from the Prut River, with expansion continuing to two other localities. We are also developing the Valul lui Traian tourist complex, with direct benefits for approximately 9,700 residents. In Stefan Voda, the historic Kizil center is being revitalized, becoming a new attraction point for some 7,000 residents and visitors.

In total, by the end of 2025, we managed 37 regional projects worth 1.6 billion lei, included in the Single Programming Document 2025–2027, and we are monitoring two additional projects financed from external sources.

MOLDPRES: What are the main goals for 2026?

Nicolae Hristov: For 2026, we aim to initiate a new programming cycle by drafting the South Regional Operational Programme 2026–2028, based on the real needs of citizens. We will continue implementing the national urban development policy, mobilizing additional funding and strengthening partnerships.

As for the projects, we want to complete most of the investments started in 2025, launch procurement procedures for approved projects and begin new construction works.

A major project starting in 2026 is Improving water supply services in Cahul and Vulcanesti districts, worth over 9.3 million euros, financed by the World Bank Group and communities. It will ensure improved access to drinking water for more than 19,500 residents.

MOLDPRES: How do you see the long-term impact of these investments?

Nicolae Hristov: A key objective is to monitor the sustainability of investments and assess their real impact on communities. We are not just building infrastructure – we are building better living conditions. We are talking about access to water and sanitation, energy-efficient public buildings, modern lighting, business infrastructure and revitalized towns and cities.

We work together with local authorities and development partners for a more competitive and attractive region. While 2025 was the year of exceeding our objectives, we want 2026 to be the year of consolidating the results and achieving an even more visible impact on people’s lives.