VIDEO // Pollution of Dniester under control: water supply restored in more north Moldova settlements; environment minister says there is no risk for Chisinau

Moldova’s authorities continue to monitor the situation regarding water pollution in the Dniester River and, according to Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder, at present there are no risks to the water supply of the Chisinau municipality. The official announced that the competent institutions were on the ground and were acting according to established procedures, in order to prevent any impact on the population.

The minister said that, on March 12 morning, a joint meeting would be held with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities, who will join the monitoring efforts and collect water samples on their territory. At the same time, Romania has expressed its readiness to support Moldova with the equipment needed to manage the situation.

“Tomorrow morning, first thing, we will have a joint meeting with our colleagues from Ukraine, who will join our action and collect samples on their side. And Romania is ready to help us with the necessary equipment,” the environment minister said.

Water supply restored in more localities

According to Gheorghe Hajder, more localities in the north Moldova have already resumed the supply of drinking water. It is about the municipality of Balti, as well as the cities of Soroca, Sangerei and Floresti, where supply was restored after checks carried out by the authorities.

At the same time, the official emphasized that state institutions were applying clear intervention and safety protocols, and the medical system has well-established procedures for such situations.

No danger for Chisinau

The environment minister rejected alarmist information that appeared in the public space, noting that official data and laboratory test results show that there is no danger to the capital’s water supply.

According to him, the oil slick identified in the Dniester River is located at a considerable distance from the water intake station that serves the municipality of Chisinau.

“At this moment, there is no risk for Chișinău. The oil that has been identified is at a considerable distance from the capital’s intake station,” the minister specified.

Also, tests carried out at the water intake station show that quality parameters fall within admissible standards, with laboratory results confirming the safety of the water.

Preventive measures and continuous monitoring

The authorities have put in place additional monitoring and intervention measures, and specialized teams are working in the field to install absorption filters meant to limit the spread of polluting substances.

At the same time, medical institutions are applying standard precautionary protocols, which include maintaining water reserves for operational needs. The environment minister stressed that these measures are routine safety procedures and do not indicate the existence of an imminent danger.

Regional cooperation in managing the situation

Managing the situation involves cooperation between the authorities of more states. In addition to cooperation with Ukraine for the collection and analysis of water samples, Romania has expressed its readiness to support Moldova with technical equipment.

The environment minister called for responsibility in public communication, emphasizing that information regarding the situation on the Dniester must be based on confirmed data and scientific results, not on speculation.

“There are safety protocols of medical institutions, there are clear procedures and responsible institutions that are doing their job. Our priority is the safety of the citizen,” Gheorghe Hajder said.

The authorities will continue permanent monitoring of the water quality in the Dniester River and will inform the public based on the results of analyses and the evolution of the situation.