Moldovan environment minister says Chisinau has water, solutions needed to capture it at lower levels

The municipality of Chisinau currently has sufficient water for its needs, even though the flow of the Dniester River is low. However, permanent technical solutions are needed to allow water to be captured when the river level is lower. Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder has made statements to this effect, following today’s government meeting, in the context of measures taken to ensure the capital’s water supply.

According to the minister, the government supported the local authorities by making pumps available for use if necessary and by involving experts who proposed technical solutions. At the request of Chisinau City Hall, 24-hour tests were also conducted under conditions of reduced water releases from the Dubasari Dam, in order to check the operation of the water intake station.

“Even now, when the flow rates are quite low, there is still sufficient water for the municipality of Chisinau and, generally, for all our needs. It is now important to implement the technical measures, so that the water can actually be captured,” Gheorghe Hajder said.

The minister stressed that the authorities were seeking a long-term solution, so that the water supply does not depend exclusively on pumps or other temporary measures.

“We need a permanent solution that allows us to capture water even at lower levels, rather than being dependent solely on certain pumps or temporary solutions,” the official said.

As for the situation on the Dniester River, Gheorghe Hajder said that Ukraine had increased water releases from the Novodnistrovsk hydropower complex by approximately 20 per cent. The decision was made possible by recent precipitation in both countries and falling temperatures, which reduced evaporation.

According to the minister, at present, the entire amount of water accumulated in the Carpathian Mountains is being released toward Moldova, while specialists are constantly monitoring changes in the river’s flow.

“Weather conditions have allowed for a slight increase in water releases, which is a good thing. It is not enough, but it provides some relief during this difficult period,” Hajder said.

Another issue addressed by the minister concerned the environmental permit of the Metallurgical Plant in Rabnita, which is due to expire in one week. According to Gheorghe Hajder, the reference report has been submitted and is being reviewed by the Environmental Agency. The decision will be made based on an assessment of compliance with the standards and legislation of Moldova.