Novaci village still without water despite nearby aqueduct
Even though the village of Novaci is located just four kilometers from the city of Călărași, where one of the largest water and sewage projects in the country is currently being developed, the residents of Novaci still lack a public water supply. The estimated cost to construct an aqueduct for this locality in the Tuzara commune is approximately 12 million lei, a sum that local authorities cannot finance from their own budget.
The village, with approximately 300 inhabitants, faces significant challenges due to the absence of a centralized water supply network, particularly during the hot season. Last year, residents signed a petition urging authorities to construct an aqueduct.
Currently, households rely on wells for their water supply, but these sources often fall short, especially in summer when many wells dry up.
“We have water in late autumn and spring, because we have our own supply, but during the summer, it becomes a significant problem as we have to source water from other places,” shared a local woman with Radio Moldova.
Another resident from Novaci added, “We have wells, but water still needs to be supplied through the village. It's more convenient for many people, especially for those who do not have the option of a well. Many are waiting for water to be supplied.”
Residents report being forced to transport water from other households or even purchase it, especially after several wells have dried up in recent years. Lacking a public water network, people travel long distances daily to meet their water needs.
Ion Râpă, the mayor of Tuzara commune, noted that the technical project for constructing the aqueduct has been updated. However, the estimated cost of approximately 12 million lei exceeds the financial capabilities of the local administration.
To address this issue, the city hall has submitted funding requests to the German Development Bank (KfW) and the ApaSan program, aiming to secure external resources for the project. Local authorities are also optimistic as significant components of the Chișinău–Călărași regional water supply project are located within Tuzara commune, including a pumping station that will serve the entire district.
Tuzara commune encompasses the villages of Seliștea Nouă and Novaci, with a total population of around 2,000 residents.
Additionally, construction of the Chișinău–Strășeni–Călărași main aqueduct is currently underway. This strategic project aims to deliver quality drinking water directly from the Nistru River.
The pipeline will span approximately 50 kilometers and connect local networks to the treatment plant in Chișinău. This major investment, valued at 45 million euros, is primarily financed by the German Government through the KfW Development Bank, ensuring access to safe water for tens of thousands of residents in the Strășeni and Călărași districts.
