World Bank Enhances Moldova’s Infrastructure with Upgraded Roads and Borders

The World Bank has approved a $105.98 million financing package for the Moldova Rural Connectivity Project (MRCP), aimed at improving road connectivity in rural communities, enhancing transit through border crossings with Romania, and responding effectively to crises and emergencies in Moldova.

The project will focus on rehabilitating and upgrading approximately 95 km of priority local roads with climate-resilient designs to ensure reliable, all-weather connectivity to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and other social and economic centers. Additionally, road safety measures will be implemented near schools and settlements, along with the construction of non-motorized transport infrastructure.

One key component of the MRCP is the improvement of Border Crossing Points (BCPs) between Moldova and Romania. A new road BCP will be constructed at Ungheni, equipped with modern customs processing, weighing, and scanning facilities. The modernization of existing BCPs at Giurgiulesti and Leuseni is also part of the project.

Inguna Dobraja, World Bank Country Manager for Moldova, emphasized the importance of local roads for rural communities, stating that improved roads lead to lower transport costs, greater accessibility, and increased international trade opportunities.

The project is expected to directly benefit around 42,000 people, 133 businesses, 27 health facilities, and 84 schools along the rehabilitated road corridors. It is also projected to facilitate between 350,000 and 400,000 heavy goods shipments annually, leading to economic benefits such as reduced wait times, increased trade, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Since Moldova joined the World Bank in 1992, over $2.1 billion has been allocated to more than 70 operations in the country. The current World Bank portfolio for Moldova includes 13 active projects with a total commitment of US$742.9 million, covering various sectors such as regulatory reform, education, health, agriculture, and energy.