VIDEO // Voluntary amalgamation in Cahul: Three localities merge into single city hall, with 16 million lei incentive from Government

Three localities in the municipality of Cahul have decided to merge into a single city hall. These are the villages Zîrnești, Baurci-Moldoveni and Cucoara, which will benefit from a development incentive worth over 16 million lei from the Government.

This is the first cluster in Cahul district that has made the final decision on voluntary amalgamation. The administrative center is to be established in Zîrnești.

“Zîrnești, Baurci-Moldoveni and Cucoara have united into a single city hall in order to ensure more development opportunities for citizens. The Government will support this voluntary effort with financial incentives of over 16 million lei,” said Secretary General of Government Alexei Buzu.

The official underlined that the funds can be invested in priority projects for residents: better roads, water and sewerage systems, street lighting, communal services or other needs established at the local level.

“A community becomes stronger when it cooperates and better prepared to solve its problems and ensure better conditions for people,” Alexei Buzu emphasized.

According to the latest information presented by the authorities, so far around 790 city halls in the country are involved in the process of voluntary amalgamation.

At the end of January, the Government announced the launch of the preparation process for the local public administration reform, as part of efforts to modernize the administration and improve public services. Subsequently, the authorities organized broad public consultations, following which the reform concept was presented.

Recently, Parliament approved legislative amendments that simplify and improve the process of voluntary amalgamation of administrative-territorial units. According to the authorities, the changes were drafted after consultations involving more than 4,500 mayors and citizens.

At present, more than 400 decisions to initiate the voluntary amalgamation process have been approved at national level.