Author: Veronica Tomescu

The municipalities of Volintiri, Copceac, Alava and Marianca de Jos are taking an important step toward improving local public services by strengthening inter-municipal cooperation in the field of solid waste management. The initiative is supported by the MĂ IMPLIC Project, with funding from the Swiss Government, and aims to create a more efficient, sustainable, and citizen-oriented service.

The presentation and signing of the Grant Agreement took place on 23 January 2026 in Volintiri, bringing together representatives of partner local public authorities and the MĂ IMPLIC Project.

During the event, the mayors of the four municipalities presented the jointly developed Solid Waste Management Service Improvement Plan, which sets out the stages for service development. The document provides for concrete planning measures, investments in infrastructure and equipment, as well as actions to inform and engage citizens.

The Plan includes:

• improving infrastructure and equipping the service with modern equipment;
• organizing and optimizing waste collection in all partner municipalities;
• increasing recycling rates and reducing uncontrolled waste disposal;
• strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of the inter-municipal service.

Waste management remains one of the biggest challenges for local authorities in the Republic of Moldova, especially in rural areas. The lack of infrastructure, high costs, and limited administrative capacities make it difficult to provide sustainable and efficient services. In this context, inter-municipal cooperation becomes a strategic and sustainable solution.

On January 15, 2026, Partnership #14, formed by the municipalities of Zîrnești, Cucoara, Doina, Larga Nouă, Andrușul de Jos, Andrușul de Sus, Roșu, Badicul Moldovenesc, and Baurci Moldoveni, signed the Grant Agreement within the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project. This is currently the largest inter-municipal partnership established under the MĂ IMPLIC Project at national level.

The mayor of Zîrnești, Nicolae Beju, opened the event, followed by a message from Matthias Morgner, team leader of the implementation project, who praised the high level of cooperation within the group. The President of Cahul Rayon, Pavel Groza, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of joint projects for local development and environmental protection.

The atmosphere was one of trust and openness, as participants stressed the need for concrete and shared actions. “Inter-municipal cooperation is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. Together we can build better and more accessible services for all our citizens,” said Nicolae Beju, host of the event.

During the meeting, the mayor of Andrușul de Sus, Ina Codreanu, presented the Service Improvement Plan, implementation steps, and planned investments.

Key investments under the project include: the modernization of the collection system, distribution of household waste bins, compost containers, and the development of a temporary waste storage facility that meets environmental standards.

Thanks to the support of the Government of Switzerland, the nine municipalities will benefit from financial and technical assistance to develop infrastructure, train local actors, and engage citizens in the decision-making process.

The total estimated budget of the initiative is approximately 3.1 million MDL, of which 64.15% is provided by the MĂ IMPLIC Project, and 35.85% comes from the combined contributions of the nine partner municipalities.

“Each locality has its challenges, but together we have solutions. Partnering means more than saving money—it means a shared vision for the future,” said Ina Codreanu, Mayor of Andrușul de Sus.