Moldova launches €2 million pilot program to replace aging Soviet-era elevators
Thousands of residents in multi-story apartment buildings across Moldova continue to use elevators that are over 40 years old. To mitigate safety risks and improve accessibility for the elderly and those with reduced mobility, the Government has launched a pilot modernization program.
Funded with €2.04 million (approx. 40 million MDL), the initiative aims to replace or refurbish roughly 40 elevators nationwide. Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure, Vladimir Bolea, announced on Wednesday that residential management associations can submit funding applications between April 1 and April 30.
"An elevator is not a luxury; it is a fundamental requirement for safety and mobility," Minister Bolea stated during a press conference. He emphasized that the project specifically targets families with small children, the elderly, and citizens with special needs who are currently hindered by failing infrastructure.
Critical infrastructure deficit
The technical data reveals a systemic crisis. In Chisinau, the average age of an elevator is 38 years, with over 95% having exceeded their recommended operational lifespan. Out of 3,480 units in the capital, approximately 1,100 are managed by private associations, while the remainder fall under municipal jurisdiction.
The situation is equally dire in secondary cities. In Balti, 90% of the 270 units require annual technical inspections due to extreme wear. In Ungheni, nearly 98% of elevators have outlived their service life, with some reaching four decades of continuous use.
Energy efficiency and social impact
Modernization is expected to provide more than just safety. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, many existing lifts rely on obsolete Soviet-type motors that are noisy and highly inefficient.
"New elevators reduce energy consumption by approximately 40%," Bolea noted. "This efficiency translates directly into lower monthly utility bills for residents, who bear the electricity costs for these units."
Selection criteria and funding
The 2026 pilot program will prioritize buildings with the highest levels of degradation. Evaluation criteria also include social factors, such as the number of residents with mobility challenges living in the building.
The Government has capped funding at 1 million MDL (approx. €51,000) per project. While a new elevator costs between 700,000 and 800,000 MDL, major capital repairs can often be completed for half that amount. The final number of modernized units will be determined by the specific technical needs of the selected applicants.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
