Chisinau launches international tender for the Bac river rehabilitation equipment
The Chisinau City Hall has launched an international tender for the rehabilitation of the Bac River. This large-scale project aims to strengthen the riverbanks, modernize drainage networks, and reduce the risk of flooding in the city. The initiative is being implemented with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The announcement was made by the general mayor of Chisinau, Ion Ceban, during the operational meeting of City Hall services on January 19.
This announcement concerns the launch of a new international tender for the rehabilitation of the Bâc River bed and the overall improvement of the river. The Chisinau City Hall, with support from European partners and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), is implementing the Bâc River rehabilitation project. This is a significant and unique initiative for the Republic of Moldova. The project aims to provide flood protection, focusing on modernizing infrastructure for effective rainwater management, reducing flood risks in urban areas, and properly arranging the Bâc River bed in accordance with international standards, as highlighted by mayor Ion Ceban during the meeting.
The international tender will seek to procure a complete set of specialized equipment and vehicles dedicated to the maintenance, cleaning, and inspection of the urban drainage network. This includes vehicles for sewer cleaning, tools for intervention work, equipment for diagnostics and inspections, safety devices for enclosed spaces, and various specialized tools and accessories for ongoing maintenance.
"The detailed technical requirements, delivery conditions, execution deadlines, and associated services are fully outlined in the documentation published on the EBRD platform," the mayor noted.
Ion Ceban stressed that the tender for purchasing equipment necessary for cleaning and maintaining the drainage network "will ensure a long-term investment."
He explained that City Hall, through the municipal enterprise Regia “Exdrupo,” will be able to independently maintain the stormwater sewer network and plan the necessary costs on an annual basis.
"We are currently undertaking this work with the involvement of Regia and partners from the private sector. Moving forward, this responsibility will rest solely with local authorities," the mayor added.
It is important to note that the Bâc River rehabilitation project includes reinforcing riverbanks for flood protection, rehabilitating and modernizing sewer networks, installing valves and backflow prevention structures, and reprofiling approximately 7.6 kilometers of the riverbed. Sustainable drainage solutions will also be implemented, utilizing favorable areas for rainwater retention and infiltration. The project is expected to be completed over the coming years.
In September 2025, the Government approved the project titled "Rehabilitation of the Bac River and Protection against Floods in Chisinau." This project includes provisions for the exemption of Value Added Tax (VAT) and other related payments on the import and delivery of goods, as well as services intended for this purpose.
According to government representatives, the VAT exemption for these imports and services is expected to have a budgetary impact of approximately 1.6 million euros.
The total cost of the project "Rehabilitation of the Bac River and Protection against Floods in Chisinau" is 12 million euros. It is financed through a loan of 8 million euros and a grant of 4 million euros, with agreements signed on June 12, 2023, between Chisinau City Hall and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
