Hydrological situation of Dniester River, rehabilitation of Bender wastewater treatment plant discussed by experts from both banks

The current hydrological situation of the Dniester River, the operation of the Dubasari Hydropower Complex amid reduced water flows, and the possibility of rehabilitating the wastewater treatment plant in the municipality of Bender have been the main topics examined by experts from both banks of Dniester. The discussions took place during a meeting of the working groups on environmental protection, held via videoconference at the premises of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

The participants analyzed developments in water levels and flows, the need for continuous monitoring of the river and improvements to the exchange of hydrological data. Another topic concerned the impact of the operating regime of the Dubasari Hydropower Complex on the middle and lower sections of the Dniester amid reduced water flows.

In the context, experts discussed the possibility of conducting hydrological measurements in predetermined sections of the river and facilitating access for specialists from relevant institutions to carry out these activities. The participants in the meeting also emphasized the importance of using automated monitoring equipment to improve data collection and exchange.

During the meeting, international expert Dana Bogdan presented the project, Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation and Integrated Water Resources Management in the Dniester River Basin through the Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme. The project is being implemented between 2025 and 2029, has a budget of six million dollars and is financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The project aims to improve water resources’ management, reduce environmental impacts and strengthen resilience to climate change. Dana Bogdan noted that, within the initiative, the possibility of providing technical support to address the current hydrological situation of the Dniester could be examined, depending on the available objectives and resources.

Another important topic was the initiative to rehabilitate the wastewater treatment plant in the municipality of Bender. Experts from Chisinau expressed their openness to examining the proposal, emphasizing the importance of reducing pollution in the Dniester and improving the environmental situation for the benefit of residents on both banks.

According to the Environment Ministry, information on the current condition of the plant, the estimated volume of necessary works, preliminary costs and the availability of project documentation is to be presented, in order to technically assess the initiative and identify the next steps. Materials from previous assessments and data on measures already undertaken are also required. Based on this information, a specialist assessment may be organized and options for continuing the project may be analyzed.

At the same time, participants noted the possibility of financing the works through the mechanisms of the Convergence Fund. The potential provision of support and the involvement of international donors are to be examined by the competent authorities of Moldova, based on the documentation submitted.

The meeting also addressed the work of the Commission for the Sustainable Use and Protection of the Dniester River Basin. Representatives of Chisinau emphasized the transparent nature of its work, noting that relevant information, including the Commission’s documents and decisions, was published on the official websites of the competent institutions and is accessible to the public.

The meeting provided a framework for consultations and an exchange of opinions on environmental challenges in the Dniester Basin, with a focus on hydrological monitoring, access to relevant data and the identification of technical solutions for water resources management, the environmental authority concludes.