CHISINAU, April 29, 2024 — The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $105.98 million financing package for the Moldova Rural Connectivity Project (MRCP). This project aims to enhance road connectivity in rural communities, improve transit through border crossings with Romania, and strengthen crisis response capabilities in Moldova.
The MRCP will focus on rehabilitating and upgrading approximately 95 km of three priority local roads with climate-resilient designs. These improvements will provide better connectivity to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential centers in rural areas. Additionally, road safety measures near schools and settlements will be implemented, along with the construction of non-motorized transport infrastructure.
One significant aspect of the project is the enhancement of Border Crossing Points (BCPs) between Moldova and Romania. This includes the construction of a new road BCP in Ungheni with modern customs processing facilities, as well as the modernization of Giurgiulesti and Leuseni BCPs.
Inguna Dobraja, the World Bank Country Manager for Moldova, emphasized the importance of local roads, stating, “Local roads are essential for rural Moldova, as farmers need roads to market their products, children, and teachers to travel to school, and the elderly to visit healthcare centers.”
The MRCP is projected to directly benefit around 42,000 people, 133 businesses, 27 health facilities, and 84 schools along the road corridors selected for rehabilitation. It is also expected to facilitate between 350,000 and 400,000 heavy goods shipments annually, benefiting shippers in Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania. The economic advantages will include reduced wait times for trucks and cars, increased trade, and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
Since Moldova's partnership with the World Bank began in 1992, over $2.1 billion has been allocated to more than 70 operations in the country. Presently, there are 13 active projects in Moldova supported by the World Bank, with a total commitment of US$742.9 million covering various sectors such as regulatory reform, business development, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the World Bank to support Moldova's development and improve the livelihoods of its citizens through enhanced infrastructure and connectivity.