PHOTO // Five settlements of Moldova become Smart Villages with European Union's support

Five localities of Moldova for the first time have got the Smart Village status, following investments of over 20 million lei provided by the European Union for modernizing local infrastructure, making public services more efficient and improving citizens’ quality of life. The localities of Larga, Briceni district, Cosnita in Dubasari, Sipoteni, Calarasi district, Lozova, Straseni district and Mereni, Anenii Noi district, received grants to implement innovative local solutions and build photovoltaic parks.

Today, the Smart Village of Lozova, Straseni district, was officially inaugurated as part of the project, EU4Resilient Moldova: A Secure State, Strong Communities, funded by the European Union and implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.

In this locality, a photovoltaic park with a capacity of 150 kW was built, providing green energy for essential institutions and public services – from water and sewage systems to educational institutions and public lighting.

“This project has greatly changed the way our community works. We have managed to bring in modern, efficient and environmentally friendly solutions, that meet people’s needs and create real development prospects for the locality,” said the mayor of Lozova commune, Viorel Jardan.

Lozova’s transformation into a Smart Village continued with the implementation of innovative solutions that go beyond the level of digitalization existing in many cities of Moldova. They include data collection and weather analysis stations for farmers, which contribute to improving the quality and quantity of agri-food products, preventing diseases and adapting to climate change; smart water meters that allow remote reading of data and make water consumption management more efficient for over 200 households; smart public transport waiting stations equipped with solar panels, autonomous lighting and USB ports; heat recovery ventilation systems in educational institutions, providing a healthier environment for children; and a video information system that facilitates communication between the local administration and citizens.

“I am impressed by what I have seen in Lozova. The European Union’s investments in Smart Villages show our continued commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive development in Moldova. These initiatives play an important role in strengthening the resilience of local communities and advancing their long-term socio-economic development,” said Julda Kielyte, Head of Section for Competitive and Inclusive Growth, Delegation of the European Union to Moldova.

Lozova is one of the five localities selected by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova to become Smart Villages. Representatives of these mayoralties received specialized training and took part in study visits to Spain and Estonia, in order to develop Smart Village Strategies adapted to local needs in the medium and long term.

“We have implemented a pilot project that can be replicated nationally. This initiative demonstrates that strategic investments, communities’ involvement and the use of modern technologies can transform villages of Moldova into resilient, efficient communities connected to the future,” added Tomasz Horbowski, Country Director of Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.

Each community received grants of up to 1.5 million lei for smart projects and approximately 3 million lei for the construction of photovoltaic parks, with municipalities contributing around 10 per cent.

The works were carried out under the project, EU4Resilient Moldova: A Secure State, Strong Communities, funded by the European Union and implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.