Reconstruction of the waste water treatment system in Vulcanesti, Republic of Moldova
The objective of the project „Reconstruction of the waste water treatment system in Vulcanesti, Republic of Moldova“ is to minimize negative impacts of the untreated waste water to human health and the environment in the Vulcanesti region. This region is part of the Autonomous region of Gagauzia, south – western Moldova. Gagauzia has poorer statistical development indicators than other regions of Moldova, there is no signifiant internation donor acting in the region. Vulcanesti, due to its location far from trade centers and international roads, is isolated from the point of view of investments into infrastructure development, until 2010 there was no international donor at all.
The sewarage and waste water treatment system in Vulcanesti was built in mid 80-ies, and due to minimum maintenance and service is in a very poor technical condition. There are frequent leakages and accidents, the waste water treatment plant is no more in function and both central and local waste water pumping stations are well behind their life cycle. Waste water is released without any treatment into the recipient (Cahul river). The untreated waste water contaminates water sources in the area, there are recorded occurance of cholera in the area till the end of 90-ies. Practically all life quality parameters are well lower compared to other regions in Moldova.
The feasibility study (FS) for reconstruction of WWTP and both waste water pumping stations was finalized in January 2011, findings from this study were presented at public hearing with inhabitants of the city and municipality (water utility and municipality).
On the base of the FS, full design stage will be made during the first half of 2011, for both waste water treatment plant and pumping stations. The following stage will be reconstruction of both pumping stations and WWTP, this will take place in the second half of 2011. The recipient of the project will contribute to achievement of this project through completion of neccessary building works.
The following outputs of this project are focused on overall support of the local Water utility company. The local Water utility suffers by lack of financial sources, this leeds to lack of maintenance capacity and system developement. In addition, also mid-term and long-term planning is far behind the needed level. Payment for water and water discharge does not meet production costs, not-accounted water ratio too high, support of systemic changes low due to political dependancy of water utility on municipality.
The following output of the project will be awareness raising campaign focused on typical groups such as farmers, petrol stations and schools.