Water supply – Ma-implic

Access to Water for the Residents of Satul Nou: Infrastructure Investment with the Support of the MĂ IMPLIC Project

Veronica Tomescu — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:53:06 +0000

Access to Water for the Residents of Satul Nou: Infrastructure Investment with the Support of the MĂ IMPLIC Project

On April 11, 2025, a collaboration agreement was signed between the Moldo-Swiss Cooperation Center Foundation (SKAT), the Satul Nou Municipality, and the technical executor SA DSRM-3, for the implementation of essential works to modernize the local water supply system.

The project includes:
construction of a new platform equipped with two water towers, each with a volume of 50 m³ and a pumping height of 18 meters

installation of a new water supply pipeline, connecting Well 1127 to the platform and linking it to the external water distribution network of the locality

This investment will have both an immediate and long-term impact on the quality of life in the community:
💧 Secure and continuous access to drinking water for households, public institutions, and future local investments
💧 Reduced vulnerability during drought periods and increased climate resilience
💧 Improved living conditions and support for local economic development
💧 Modernized technical infrastructure and more efficient public service management

This activity is part of the “Energy Efficiency and Water Supply” Component of the MĂ IMPLIC Project, a civic engagement project in local governance, funded by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by Skat Consulting Ltd.

MĂ IMPLIC supports local authorities and citizens in improving public services through strategic planning, smart investments, and community involvement, contributing to the sustainable development of localities across the Republic of Moldova.

#MĂIMPLIC #SkatConsulting #SatulNou
#LocalDevelopment #Infrastructure #SwissCooperation
#LocalGovernance #PublicInvestment #BetterServices

Strengthening Integrity in Local Public Administrations with the Support of MĂ IMPLIC

Veronica Tomescu — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 11:29:05 +0000

Strengthening Integrity in Local Public Administrations with the Support of MĂ IMPLIC

In a small village in Moldova, where personal relationships often intersect with professional responsibilities, local leaders face unique challenges. In such communities and small institutions, ethical dilemmas—conflicts of interest, favoritism, or accusations of unfairness—can complicate decision-making and erode trust between citizens and decision-makers.

How can local authorities turn these challenges into opportunities to build trust?
This is the key question addressed in the second phase of the MĂ IMPLIC Project, through regional training sessions on “Strengthening Integrity in Local Public Authorities.” Here, mayors and local council secretaries shared their challenges and discovered practical solutions to improve integrity in local public administration.

REAL CASES RELATED TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES’ INTEGRITY
In one village, a mayor spoke about an intense debate over resource distribution, where accusations of favoritism were raised. Citizens questioned why certain families received more social assistance than others. “It’s not just a matter of fairness,” the mayor emphasized. “It’s about trust. When people don’t trust our decisions, the whole community suffers.” The adopted solution was to increase transparency in the allocation process, publish the list of beneficiaries, and involve community representatives in a specialized commission to ensure fair distribution.

Another participant, a council secretary, shared a story about internal tensions caused by the lack of clear rules. Personal connections of a former councilor led to non-transparent contract awards, creating frustration and suspicion among colleagues. “We didn’t have clear policies regarding conflicts of interest at the time,” the secretary admitted. “This created an environment of suspicion and frustration.”

Such cases are not uncommon in Moldova’s local public authorities. The normalization of corruption at the community level adds another layer of complexity.
“Bribery and preferential treatment have become so historically ingrained that people see them as normal,” one mayor confessed. “Changing this mindset is just as important as changing our practices.”

A PRACTICAL INTEGRITY GUIDE FOR LOCAL ADMINISTRATION LEADERS
The MĂ IMPLIC training sessions were designed for this exact purpose—to equip local leaders with the tools and confidence to govern with integrity. Instead of focusing on abstract principles, the training sessions were based on real-life examples and practical solutions, addressing daily challenges faced by mayors and council secretaries:

Managing conflicts of interest – Identifying potential conflicts early and applying clear tools for addressing them transparently.
Whistleblower protection – Establishing secure and anonymous channels for reporting unethical behavior, with an option for mayors to file external warnings with the National Anti-Corruption Center (CNA).
Transparency in decision-making – Discussing practical steps to make processes more open and inclusive, from publishing meeting minutes to involving citizens in key decisions.

NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITY OF INTEGRITY POLICIES
One of the most important aspects of the training was understanding the 14 integrity policies required for local public authorities, as outlined in Law No. 82 on Integrity (2017):

Merit-based hiring and professional integrity – Selecting personnel based on competence, without external influence.
Declaration of assets and personal interests – Monitoring disclosures to identify potential conflicts and discrepancies.
Incompatibility in holding public office – Preventing overlapping roles that may create conflicts of interest.
Hierarchy restrictions in public office – Setting limits to prevent abuse of power.
Limitations on public endorsements – Regulating public interactions to safeguard impartiality.
Prevention of undue influences – Creating a framework that prevents external pressures on decision-making, including reporting such influences to internal authorities or CNA.
Conflicts of interest – Identifying and resolving situations that may compromise objective decision-making.
Favoritism – Avoiding practices that unfairly discriminate or benefit certain individuals.
Gifts and benefits – Prohibiting their acceptance to prevent undue influence over decisions.
Response to corruption incidents – Adopting a clear policy for addressing corruption cases.
Zero tolerance for integrity violations – Establishing an environment that discourages integrity breaches.
Transparency in decision-making – Publishing decision-making processes and engaging citizens.
Access to public interest information – Ensuring citizens can access key public information.
Transparent management of public assets and finances – Ensuring fairness in managing public resources.

For many participants, policies such as transparency and merit-based hiring were already known and relatively easy to implement. However, aspects like post-employment restrictions and zero-tolerance approaches to corruption were seen as new elements requiring further clarification. While some urban municipalities (Level 1 APLs) with larger teams had already established tools to implement integrity policies, rural areas faced more challenges. Certain measures, such as conflict of interest declarations, transparency in decision-making, and financial transparency, were successfully implemented. More complex policies, such as asset declarations or hierarchical restrictions, often required intervention from the National Integrity Authority (ANI) to ensure compliance. Larger, more experienced municipalities shared valuable insights and practical advice with smaller communities on implementing integrity policies. This spirit of collaboration highlighted the importance of peer learning to overcome common challenges.

BUILDING A CULTURE OF INTEGRITY
A key part of the training was developing safe and accessible mechanisms for reporting corruption. Whistleblower protection was emphasized as a key pillar in encouraging the reporting of unethical practices. Participants were encouraged to report undue influences, to declare received gifts and refuse any benefits that could compromise objectivity, to ensure transparency in decision-making and resolve conflicts of interest.

This systematic approach not only ensures compliance with current legislation but also plays a crucial role in building citizens’ trust in local public administration. A transparent and accountable environment contributes to the long-term development of a society based on integrity and openness. Additionally, the training emphasized the human aspect of integrity. “Policies are important,” one mayor reflected, “but they are just the beginning. Integrity is about how we lead, how we communicate, and how we make people feel.”

Local leaders were encouraged to adopt ethical behavior in their daily actions, setting an example for their teams and communities. Discussions also included citizen engagement strategies, such as public consultations and participatory budgeting.
“When people see that we work with them, not just for them, everything changes,” a council member said.

A JOURNEY OF CHANGE – “Transformation Begins with Small Steps: The Road to an Integrity-Based Local Administration”
As the training sessions concluded, participants left not only with new knowledge but also with a renewed sense of responsibility and motivation.
“This training reminded us that integrity is not a final destination—it’s a journey,” a local council secretary reflected. “It’s about small but consistent steps to build trust and accountability.”

The MĂ IMPLIC Project, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by SKAT Consulting Moldova, continues to be a key partner in this journey. By providing resources, expertise, and capacity-building support, the project empowers local leaders to navigate the complexities of governance with integrity, equipping them with the tools to drive lasting change in their communities.

In some communities, the impact is already visible. Citizens are beginning to see local authorities as trusted partners, not adversaries: “At first, people were skeptical—they thought it was just a formality. But now, they ask concrete questions, monitor decisions, and even hold us accountable. Transparency has forced us to be more responsible,” a mayor shared. Step by step, transparency and fairness are becoming the norm, paving the way for a more just and prosperous future.

The “MĂ IMPLIC” Project strengthens partner LPAs’ capacities through a new training program

Veronica Tomescu — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 09:30:00 +0000

The “MĂ IMPLIC” Project strengthens partner LPAs’ capacities through a new training program

Between July and September 2024, the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project assessed the organizational and functional capacities of 56 partner Local Public Authorities (LPAs) using the FOCAS1 tool. This evaluation revealed the need to improve competencies in essential areas such as public service organization, intermunicipal cooperation, revenue management, citizen consultation, and administration digitalization. Based on this analysis, the project team developed a modular training program aimed at enhancing the skills of public officials and local elected representatives, tailored to their specific needs and challenges.
Through this program, public officials and elected representatives have the opportunity to learn how to manage efficiently and transparently, improve public resource management, and implement administrative solutions for the benefit of their communities. Special attention was given to developing leadership and planning skills, particularly in crisis contexts, as well as human resource management to ensure effective leadership and staff motivation.

The training program launched in November 2024 with five modules addressing key aspects of local administration, covering topics such as strengthening integrity in local public administration, legal aspects of intermunicipal cooperation, citizen engagement, and effective communication.

For instance, one of the key modules focused on strengthening integrity within LPAs, moderated by Victoria Popa, an integrity advisor, who addressed conflict of interest management, whistleblower mechanisms, and corruption prevention tools, emphasizing the crucial role of local leaders in fostering an ethical environment.

The training on citizen engagement, organized in collaboration with the Institute for Rural Initiatives, provided participants with valuable techniques for effectively mobilizing citizens and promoting genuine civic activism.

The module “Legal and Institutional Aspects of Intermunicipal Cooperation,” moderated by Ion Beschieru, a public administration consultant, covered basic concepts of LPA cooperation and legal tools for jointly delivering public services.

Another important aspect was the training on effective communication for LPAs, moderated by Veronica Tomescu, strategic communication manager. Participants were equipped with tools to manage social platforms, gather citizen feedback, and create and share relevant content. This approach contributes to developing more effective communication strategies tailored to community needs and expectations.

The module dedicated to Public Procurement addressed procedures, award criteria, and key stages such as evaluation and contract awarding. Participants learned how to manage public procurement correctly, ensuring transparency and compliance with legislation. They were also introduced to electronic platforms, including Mtender.gov.md, and learned how to resolve disputes and manage clarifications during procurement procedures.

The program is already yielding significant benefits, and participant feedback confirms its positive impact. Participants include mayors, deputy mayors, council members, local secretaries, and public officials, with remarkable results in enhancing intermunicipal collaboration and improving professional skills.

By launching the Capacity Development Program, the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project continues to support Local Public Administration in Moldova. Faced with rapid changes and increasingly complex demands, partner LPAs benefit from a modular training system tailored to their specific needs. By enhancing professional skills, partner LPAs can adapt effectively to the ever-changing context and deliver quality services to citizens.

Note: FOCAS (Functional Organizational Capacity Assessment) is a tool for self-assessing organizational and functional capacities, structured by functions/capabilities and based on a well-defined scoring system developed by the “Comunitatea Mea” Program (USAID).

Launch of the “Energy Efficiency and Water Supply” Component of the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project

Veronica Tomescu — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:34:08 +0000

Launch of the "Energy Efficiency and Water Supply" Component of the "MĂ IMPLIC" Project

In the context of climate challenges and the impact of the war in Ukraine on rural infrastructure in Moldova, the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project takes an important step in supporting localities in rural areas of the country. The launch of the new component of the project, dedicated to improving water supply and increasing energy efficiency, marks an important step towards sustainable and resilient development for the partner communities of the project.

Despite the progress made in recent years, many rural localities in Moldova still face significant deficiencies in water infrastructure and energy efficiency. These areas face major difficulties in accessing reliable and safe water sources, and the majority of households do not benefit from effective energy-saving solutions, which leads to high costs and has a negative impact on the environment.

OBJECTIVES OF THE NEW COMPONENT

The main components of this new phase focus on two essential directions:

Improving access to water: Through this component, major interventions will be carried out to expand and rehabilitate water supply networks in four localities: Bădiceni, Dîngeni, Copăceni, and Satul Nou. This will ensure access to drinking water for more households, and in some localities, the coverage will exceed 50% of the required supply. The total number of beneficiaries will be 9500 people.
Increasing energy efficiency: Another major objective of the project is to improve energy efficiency in homes and public buildings in these localities. Effective solutions for thermal insulation, window replacement, and heating system modernization will be implemented, leading to significant energy savings and a reduction in CO₂

The “Energy Efficiency in Moldova’s Villages EnEff” component, part of the “Mă Implic” project, has already made significant progress: 8 public buildings in 8 localities have been made more energy-efficient , and 400 beneficiaries in 21 localities have received support for energy efficiency improvements in their homes. Additionally, a national communication campaign has been conducted to explain the benefits and the how-to-do of energy efficiency measures.

While the focus on building upon the achievements of the energy efficiency efforts, the new component will also tackle the urgent needs for clean water and hygiene, all while adapting to climate change and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water infrastructure.

The new Energy Efficiency component will continue the progress made in the previous phase of EnEff, focusing on improving energy efficiency in public buildings and private households. While the primary emphasis will be on the communities already involved, there is potential to extend support to new locations based on specific criteria. This phase will also offer opportunities to enhance energy efficiency at the household and public building levels in these areas.

In parallel, the Water Supply component will focus on improving water access and service resilience in four villages: Bădiceni, Satul Nou, Dîngeni, and Copăceni. The key goal is to strengthen local governance and ensure reliable access to clean drinking water and safe sanitation. This initiative aligns with the project’s overall objective of developing sustainable water infrastructure and enhancing long-term service sustainability.

The launch of the new component of the “MĂ IMPLIC” project is a significant step in the transition towards a greener, responsible, and sustainable future for the Republic of Moldova. This underscores the commitment of the Swiss Government and Skat Consulting to support the development of water and energy infrastructure, as well as to contribute to environmental protection and the improvement of the quality of life in villages of Moldova.

The “Energy Efficiency and Water Supply” component is implemented by Skat Consulting within the framework of the MĂ IMPLIC project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

#maImplic #skatConsulting

Strengthening the capacity of Communal Services Operators for sustainable service delivery

Veronica Tomescu — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 13:09:26 +0000

Strengthening the capacity of Communal Services Operators for sustainable service delivery

Between March and July 2023, representatives of communal services operators from 30 partner municipalities participating in the “MĂ IMPLIC” project underwent a series of specialized training sessions. The purpose of these training courses was to enhance their knowledge and develop skills necessary for the successful execution of their service-related activities.

Over a period of five months, administrators, accountants, and other employees from communal service providers participated in 17 training sessions, organized into six modules. These modules covered crucial areas for effective service provision:

Organizational and Human Resources Management
Operational Management in the areas of sanitation, water supply, public street lighting
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Material and Logistics Resource Management
Financial Management
Marketing and Customer Relations

The training sessions were conducted by members of the “Mă Implic” team, individual consultants with expertise in specific fields, as well as specialized institutions. Participants received both theoretical knowledge and practical training, which was reinforced through project work and assignments. Upon completion of the training, participants were awarded participation certificates, recognizing their commitment and achievements.

The specialized training provided to the communal services operators under the “MĂ IMPLIC” project plays a crucial role in enhancing their knowledge and skills. By empowering these operators, the project contributes to the improvement of communal services, fostering sustainable development within the communities. The project’s emphasis on capacity building and sustainable practices reflects its commitment to achieving long-term benefits for the participating municipalities. Through continued collaboration and investment in communal services, the project aims to create lasting positive impacts on the overall well-being of the communities involved.

It is worth noting that from 2021 to 2023, thirty municipalities/groups of municipalities are implementing projects aimed at improving the delivery of communal services with the support of the “MĂ IMPLIC” project. The project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by SKAT Consulting. The project intervention goes beyond infrastructure improvement, the project helps municipalities also develop sustainable approaches and models to maintain this infrastructure and ensure the sustainability of services provided to the community. A complete list of partner municipalities can be found here.

#maImplic #skatConsulting #streetlighting #solidwastemanagement #sewage #civicengagement

Vice President of Skat Consulting visits Moldova to assess Skat Moldova’s progress in strengthening local governance and improving rural communities

Veronica Tomescu — Fri, 05 May 2023 19:05:21 +0000

Vice President of Skat Consulting visits Moldova to assess Skat Moldova's progress in strengthening local governance and improving rural communities.

During her visit to the Republic of Moldova from May 22-25, 2023, Mrs. Claudia Zimmermann, Vice-President of Skat Consulting Ltd., gained valuable insights into the activities of Skat Consulting’s office in Moldova. She met with the teams working on three ongoing projects, each contributing to the improvement of local communities:

Mă Implic – Proiect de implicare civică în guvernarea locală, a project on civic engagement in local governance (financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC): This project aims at ensuring that the rural population of Moldova has equitable access to quality communal services.
The ASIST sanitation solutions implementation assistance project (financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC): This initiative supports individuals affected by conflicts in Ukraine and Moldova by repairing destroyed homes and water supply systems, thereby improving their living conditions.
Water and Sanitation Project in Moldovan Villages (ApaSan+) (financed by the Austrian Development Agency, Austrian Development Cooperation funds): This project aims to provide safe water supply and sanitation services to rural populations.

“I had a fantastic time with our consulting team from Chisinau this week. The days were packed with insightful meetings and conversations with customers, partners, colleagues and representatives of the local public administrations. Thank you to the entire team who made this great huge success and to our partners in rural communities who shared their unique and inspiring insights,” Claudia Zimmermann, Vice President of Skat Consulting Ltd.

The visits to various locations offered Mrs. Zimmermann the opportunity to engage with the representatives of the Municipalities and citizens, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the local interventions. In the village of Vărăncău, she interacted with families who benefited from the installation of ecological sanitation systems (septic tanks), witnessing first-hand the positive impact of the ApaSan+ project on their living conditions.

In Domulgeni village, Mrs. Zimmermann observed the local waste evacuation process, supported by the MĂ IMPLIC Project. Here the project assists the Municipality and the service provider in improving and organizing the communal solid waste evacuation service. The Mayor, alongside the Community Initiative Team, presented the progress made thus far and outlined the planned activities within the inter-community waste management project involving Domulgeni, Cașunca, Ștefănești, and Prodănești.

Skat Consulting is mandated by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to implement the “MĂ IMPLIC” project on civic engagement in local governance, which ensures that the rural population of the Republic of Moldova has fair access to quality communal services. Thus, in the period 2021-2023, thirty localities/groups of localities implement projects aimed at improving the delivery of communal household services.

#maImplic #skatConsulting #sanitation #civicengagement #solidwastemanagement #watersupply #streetlighting #communalservice

Communal services in 12 rural communities are launched with the support of the MĂ IMPLIC project

Veronica Tomescu — Wed, 03 May 2023 21:19:17 +0000

Communal services in 12 rural communities are launched with the support of the MĂ IMPLIC project

All 30 town halls / groups of town halls, partners of the MĂ IMPLIC project, are making steady progress in implementing the Service Improvement Plans (PISC), developed, and approved within the project. This document is part of the Grant agreement, signed by the Partner Municipalities with the MĂ IMPLIC project.

According to this document, Municipalities carry out numerous activities aimed at improving communal services. Communities go through this process at a different pace, each with its own distinctive characteristics, so the progress is different from one partner to another. To date, most partners have succeeded in:

🗹 ensuring the legal regulation for creation and delegating the communal service

🗹 completing two stages of procurement for equipment and services

🗹 securing additional funding for project realization

🗹 ensuring legal regulations regarding service financing and tariff policies

🗹 conducting citizen satisfaction surveys for communal services

🗹 engaging citizens in informational, educational, and mobilization activities to organize and maintain the communal service.

🗹 signing contracts with citizens and successfully launching the communal service

As of May 1, 2023, the following partner communities have made notable progress with the support of the MĂ IMPLIC project:

Twelve communities have launched new/improved solid waste management services: Andrușul de Jos, Borogani, Chircăiestii Noi, Dezghingea, Domulgeni, Feștelita, Fundurii Vechi, Gura Galbenei, Pelivan, Risipeni, Sudarca and Valea Perjei
Căplani, Nișcani, Selemet have initiated new/improved public street lighting services
Other seven communities have completed capital investments and constructions for municipal water supply services Bădiceni, Biesti, Capaclia, Ciuciuleni, Dîngeni, Satul Nou, Vorniceni. In these communities, the Municipality and the Communal Services Operator will carry out the proposed activities according to the SIP and identify additional funding to complete the water supply project in the locality and ensure 100% of the residents have access to drinking water.
Ongoing technical works are being carried out in Ciorești, Copceac, Leușeni, Sculeni, these four are improving the Communal sewerage service.

The MĂ IMPLIC project team is closely monitoring the implementation of PISC in the 30 local intervention projects, and the results of the most recent monitoring are included in this infographic. It aims to inform the partners about the current situation in all local intervention projects, so that each partner can see what its progress is and where it is necessary to speed up actions.

The Project is with the Partner Municipalities at every stage of the PISC implementation, offering technical advice to communal service operators and Municipalities. More the project helps the Municipalities not only to improve the local infrastructure, but also to develop sustainable approaches and models to maintain this infrastructure and ensure the sustainability of the services provided in the community.

#maImplic #skatConsulting #sanitation #civicengagement #solidwastemanagement #watersupply #streetlighting #communalservice

Unveiling the Challenges: 3rd Edition of the Barometer on Communal Household Services in Moldova

Veronica Tomescu — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 06:37:10 +0000

Unveiling the challenges: 3rd edition of the Barometer on communal household services in Moldova

Local public authorities in the Republic of Moldova are responsible for organizing and providing citizens with communal household services. They rely on the rules and regulations set by the Government to carry out these important tasks.

On April 12, 2023, the MĂ IMPLIC project launched the 3rd edition of its report titled “Barometer of the main existing gaps, contradictions and constraints in the normative framework related to communal household services This report sheds light on the key issues faced by local authorities as they strive to improve and deliver community services.

The analysis offers an overview of the problems within the regulatory framework, presenting a format that facilitates the identification of priority areas for potential solutions. The project experts, Ion Beschieru (Public Administration and National Reforms Expert), Dorin Andros (Regional Development and Public Services Expert), and Diana Toma (Manager of Reforms and National Policies within the MĂ IMPLIC project), presented the main findings.

The barometer is the outcome of a comprehensive mapping exercise that involved documentary analysis, review of strategies, laws, decisions, studies, articles, and more. Additionally, interviews and discussions with relevant stakeholders such as representatives from central public administration authorities, mayors, local public administration representatives, service operators, and field experts were conducted. The goal was to identify gaps and discrepancies hindering the sustainable provision of quality and accessible communal services within communities. However, this study does not examine into structural and systemic issues unrelated to the normative framework, such as the lack of human and institutional capacities or insufficient financial resources.

Like previous editions, the analysis focused on two services: (1) water supply and sanitation, and (2) solid waste management. The latest edition of the Barometer assesses the trend and urgency of addressing the identified challenges in the years 2021, 2022, and 2023.

The event was attended by representatives from MĂ IMPLIC’s partner municipalities, the Ministry of the Environment, the National Energy Regulatory Agency, the Environment Agency, experts in the field of LPA and communal household services, representatives from development partners, and more. During the meeting, participants actively engaged in discussions and exchanged opinions.

The study is available for download on the “MĂ IMPLIC” project’s webpage, offering both the Romanian version and the English version.

The project on civic engagement in local governance “MĂ IMPLIC” aims at ensuring that the rural population of Moldova has equitable access to quality communal service provision. The project „MĂ IMPLIC” is financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Skat Consulting Ltd.

#maImplic #skatConsulting

Biești and Satul Nou signed the Grant Agreement within the partnership with the MĂ IMPLIC Project

Veronica Tomescu — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 07:08:01 +0000

Biești and Satul Nou signed the Grant Agreement within the partnership with the MĂ IMPLIC Project

The signing of the Agreement is a result of the joint work of the Community Initiative Teams and the Municipalities, which together with the citizens, make joint efforts to improve the communal water supply service, with the support of MĂ IMPLIC Project. Under the agreement, each partner-municipality receives a grant of a maximum of 65,000 Swiss francs, for carrying out the works and/or procuring the necessary equipment, for the realization of the project.

According to the project in Biești village, an additional water collection station will be built and a local water well will be rehabilitated, also in Satul Nou village, the water collection and pumping station will be improved and the water storage tanks will be replaced.

In addition to financial support, beneficiaries receive consultancy and capacity-building services. The “MĂ IMPLIC” project helps the municipality and the service provider not only to improve the infrastructure but also to develop long-term approaches to keep this infrastructure in good shape and to have sustainable models for financing the provision of services. In our work, we ensure that local citizens, LPA employees, NGOs, and businesses are actively involved in modernizing community services in the community and especially that the less advantaged have equal access to these services.

The project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by SKAT Consulting.

#maImplic #skatConsulting #watersupply #civicengagement

MĂ IMPLIC Project highlighted in the Skat Consulting Ltd. annual report 2021

Veronica Tomescu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 09:11:19 +0000

MĂ IMPLIC Project highlighted
in the Skat Consulting Ltd. annual report 2021

INITIATING CHANGE IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN MOLDOVA

The “Mă Implic” project supports the engagement of citizens in local decision-making in public services, jointly with local public authorities. The SDC-funded implementation project aims to increase the quality of those services and improve local governance practices.

The project title “Mă Implic” means “I engage”. The motto of the team leader Matthias Morgner (right) is: practice what you preach. Here he is planting trees on top of a closed landfill site, together with a local Moldovan mayor.

Matthias Morgner, you are Skat’s team leader in Moldova since August 2020. What is the project about?
To me, it is about change. Our job is to help people in the villages understand that “more money”, e.g for a new waste collection truck, will not solve their problems. What makes a difference is a change in the way service provision is managed, or how the mayor communicates – so that public services such as drinking water are not something “the State” should solely be responsible for.

When do you feel proud to be part of this project?

Every time I hear people saying with their own, genuine words that behaviours and attitudes are indeed changing thanks to the project. It is also gratifying to see how much we have grown as a team. We have learnt to manage disagreements, we try to use everyone’s ideas and energy, we trust each other. After all – we need to embody the change we aim to demonstrate to others ourselves. You have more experience with EU-funded projects.

How does it feel to work for a relatively small company like Skat Consulting and funded by Switzerland (SDC)?
Joining Skat to implement an SDC-funded project was one of the best decisions in my professional career. Skat and Swiss-funded projects are more flexible, and communication and decision-making is easier. This flexibility and efficient communication is the result of everyone’s commitment to deliver a project that “makes sense”, has an impact, and changes things for the better.

How is your project affected by the war in neighbouring Ukraine?
As of May 2022, our project is not directly impacted by the war. In addition to what we do, we provide additional support to our 30 partner localities to deal with the refugee crisis. We also have contributed to the design of a new project to support sanitary units for households hosting refugees from Ukraine in rural Moldova.

The full report can be downloaded here: https://skat.ch/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SC-Annual-Report_2021.pdf

#skatconsulting #maImplic #swisscooperation