Water and sewer rates rise in several areas; Hâncești residents hit hardest
Water and sewerage tariffs have risen significantly in various regions across the country. Residents of the municipality of Hâncești will face some of the highest rates. Many people express that these price increases are causing financial strain, particularly in light of their modest pensions and salaries.
The tariffs for water and sewage services in the municipality of Hâncești have increased significantly. Consequently, a cubic meter of water now costs an additional 6.49 lei, bringing the total price to over 35 lei.
Sewage tariffs have also risen by 11.25 lei per cubic meter, reaching over 31 lei.
Residents of Hâncești are expressing their dissatisfaction with the new prices, and many are concerned about how they will manage their monthly expenses.
Maria Fedula, a pensioner, lives with her husband and their combined monthly income is only 4,500 lei. She views their bills with anxiety and wonders how they will pay them.
However, with the new tariffs, the amount on their bill would exceed 1,000 lei.
“I have no idea what we are going to do. There is no one to help us, as everyone has their own problems. I receive a pension of 2,500 lei, and my husband gets 2,000 lei. We are both 66 years old and we manage as best we can,” she adds.
“I think it is very difficult for many people in the Republic of Moldova, and the government does not seem to respect the citizens.”
Another resident, a young mother with two children, states, “Of course, we are affected by the price increase, but we will try to manage. We rely on our salaries and income.”
“With the current salary levels in the country, everything is expensive. We are managing because we work, but it’s a bit complicated for elderly individuals,” she continues.
“Everything is expensive here, and we can’t afford all our needs on our pensions. This is just the cost of a cubic meter of water, but what else can we do? Should we stop washing ourselves?” she questions.
In light of these increases, local authorities are exploring solutions to reduce energy costs.
“The regional municipal enterprise ‘Apa Canal’ is required to report to the National Energy Regulatory Agency, which sets the prices. In the meantime, we will look for alternatives, such as renewable energy sources like solar panels at certain facilities, to reduce our energy expenses,” says Alexandru Botnari, the mayor of Hâncești.
In addition to Hâncești, water and sewage tariffs have also increased in Rezina, Șoldănești, and Cricova, a suburb of the capital.
