VIDEO// Speaker appreciates Romania’s support, which reacted quickly in managing situation on Dniester River

The authorities are constantly monitoring the water quality of the Dniester River in the context of the pollution incident, and samples are being taken every six hours, according to Speaker Igor Grosu, who stated this today before the meeting of the Legislature.

According to the Speaker, the latest tests carried out have indicated the possibility of resuming the supply of drinking water in several localities in the north of the Republic of Moldova, including Bălți, Soroca, Florești, and Sângerei. In this regard, the decision was made to restart the drinking water supply, after the Prime Minister paid a visit to the affected areas, including the northern part of the country.

Igor Grosu mentioned that the authorities intervened promptly, and external support was requested and granted in a short period of time. According to his statements, teams from Romania urgently arrived on the ground, in areas such as Soroca and Unguri, to help manage the situation.

The official specified that the interventions included works aimed at limiting the effects of the pollution, mentioning in particular the construction of several temporary dams along the river.

In the same context, he stated that the situation highlighted the need to ensure alternative sources of drinking water supply. He referred to the existence of artesian wells near some localities in the north of the country, including in Bălți and Soroca areas, which, according to him, are not in all cases in appropriate technical condition.

At the same time, Igor Grosu said that the lessons of this situation are to be analyzed, including with regard to diversifying water sources and improving the response capacity of the responsible institutions.

With reference to the regional context, the official pointed to the environmental effects of the war in Ukraine, noting that such situations can generate ecological crises with far-reaching impact.