PHOTO // Moldovan parliament speaker discusses investments in infrastructure, local communities in Sangerei

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu on January 29 paid a working visit to the northern  Sangerei district, where he reviewed the projects implemented in the region and the ones underway.

The agenda of the working visit included a discussion with the mayors from Sangerei district. Through the European Village programme alone, about 130 million lei has been invested in Sangerei. “Villages and towns are gradually developing, but we need much more. I am glad that most mayors understand the need for local public administration reform. They understand that, in order to attract major projects and provide quality services to citizens, resources, funds and specialists are necessary, and for this, we need strong mayoralties and strong mayors,” noted Igor Grosu.

Later, the speaker went to the village of Prepelita. There, through the Europe is Close programme, a local road is being rehabilitated, which will benefit about 2,400 residents of the village. The road section runs through practically half the village and is very important for the citizens.

Another renovated road is the section that connects the locality Bursuceni in Sangerei district with Bocani in Falesti district. The stretch is 12 kilometers long, with 84 million lei invested in its repair. Previously, children had difficulty reaching the kindergarten in Bursuceni or the school in Flamanzeni. Now the shoulders are to be completed and they will have a fully modern road.

“In recent years, we have been investing in the country’s roads at an unprecedented level, and this year we will place greater emphasis on local roads. Through the Europe is Close programme, we will repair about 130 km of roads and sidewalks in 100 localities across the country,” said the parliament speaker.

The working visit continued in the commune of Balasesti. Two stadiums have been recently built there, with the projects being implemented through the governmental programme European Village II. Locals are also proud of the new community center for elderly people, opened with support on behalf of Germany. It is the first center of this kind out of 15 that will be opened nationwide with German financial assistance. The speaker pointed out that such projects enriched the community, because seniors come here to socialize, take part in day activities and trainings, all meant to encourage active aging.

In Flamanzeni, the parliament speaker visited the local school, which is undergoing modernization. With support from the European Union, the educational institution has been renovated and made energy efficient – it now has photovoltaic panels, insulated walls and ventilation, as well as fire prevention systems. The school is also equipped with interactive whiteboards, has a modern canteen and a football field was recently built.

The speaker also went to Bilicenii Vechi, where he visited a bakery that had gradually become a symbol of the place. The Daraban spouses decided to invest in their native village and opened a bakery which, in the meantime, has expanded and now also includes a café. Initially, the bakery started with the production of sourdough bread, and now it also offers pizza, sweet braided bread (cozonac), and rolls, all made with sourdough based on special recipes. At the beginning of the business, Igor Daraban received funding through the Start for Youth programme, which allowed him to purchase equipment for the bakery. “Igor and Mihaela represent an example of entrepreneurs who, through their work, have given their village a chance and contribute to its development. Moldova has a chance thanks to its people,” Igor Grosu emphasized.

Another entrepreneur Igor Grosu met with is Vitalie Prisacari from the locality of Slobozia-Magura. He manages a goat farm and produces natural goat milk products. Vitalie Prisacari has benefited from a string of projects from the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development. He built his business practically from scratch. Prisacari started with a goat farm, and today he also runs a guesthouse. “Vitalie Prisacari has confidence in the potential of Moldovan entrepreneurs, in Moldovan products and in the country’s European future. I thank him for having the courage to work here, in Moldova,” Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu also said.