LocationsIntermunicipal cooperation, a model for organizing public services, is piloted by Cahul and Ungheni districts
December 13, 2023
Models and practices for the institutionalization of intermunicipal cooperation in Cahul and Ungheni regions were presented to over 50 representatives of local public administrations from the Republic of Moldova, at a workshop organized on 13 December by the "EU4Moldova: Focal Regions" programme, financed by the EU and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.
Four public services – two in Ungheni in the field of solid waste and water supply and sewage service, and two in Cahul in the field of solid waste and public domain management – will transition to an intermunicipal cooperation model, which implies regionalization, increased coverage, and efficiency. This journey is supported by the "EU4Moldova: Focal Regions" programme.
As a first step, Intermunicipal Councils were established to gather representatives from communities who have decided to jointly deliver public services. These councils benefitted from legal assistance to institutionalize intermunicipal cooperation. The decisions were then approved by local councils of the member communities. Finally, service providers were reorganized, and institutional and operational capacities were strengthened.
As a result, over 200,000 residents of 24 localities in the Cahul region and 34 localities in the Ungheni region will benefit from improved public services.
“The event aims to highlight a unique experience, a model of partnership and collaboration that fits our vision of the sustainable development of territories, including through the development of growth poles. The development of localities is a priority for the country, where it is necessary not only to strengthen administrative capacities but also to develop infrastructure and services, which will become more qualitative and local to citizens,” declared Larisa Voloh, Member in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Chairwoman of the Committee for public administration and regional development.
“In this context, the passing of recent legislative improvements, including the new law on intercommunity development associations, is commendable, as it represents an important milestone that encourages cooperation among public authorities to join forces in providing improved public service delivery throughout the country,” said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.
“The success of the intermunicipal cooperation approach in Cahul and Ungheni has proven to be of relevance to other communities and regions of Moldova. It has already offered first-hand information and insights for advancing policy dialogue and decision-making on improved public-service provision through closer inter-municipal collaboration in the Republic of Moldova. The expansion of services from urban centres to neighbouring communities is key to ensuring equal access to communal services that are indispensable for improving wellbeing, leaving no people and no communities behind. Moreover, adequate and accessible municipal services are one of the key preconditions for increasing regions’ attractiveness for businesses and investors, thereby stimulating local economic development,” added Daniela Gasparikova.
“The institutionalisation of intercommunity cooperation is a new chapter in the development of Ungheni and Cahul. We believe that it has the potential to bring about significant improvements in the quality of life for the people of these regions,” noted Jan Demidovits-Mekelainen, Programme Manager, EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova
The four public services from Cahul and Ungheni piloting intermunicipal cooperation benefitted from one million euros overall from the European Union and 50,000 euros from France for infrastructure works, equipment and more. Also, the local representatives learned from case-studies in Romania and France, where such forms of cooperation bring added value.
“EU4Moldova: Focal Regions” programme (2019-2024) supports smart, inclusive, and sustainable socio-economic development in Cahul and Ungheni regions, to bring a better quality of life to citizens. The programme has a total budget of €23 million, is financed by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
