Investments of over MDL 124 million for the development of Soroca District assessed post-implementation to ensure sustainability

Six regional development projects, implemented with the support of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, have been assessed on site by representatives of the Northern Regional Development Agency (ADR Nord) to determine how the investments continue to generate benefits for local communities.

Representatives of ADR Nord recently carried out post-implementation monitoring visits to six infrastructure projects implemented in Soroca District. During the visits, ADR Nord specialists assessed the condition and functionality of the investments, their impact on local communities, as well as the measures taken by beneficiaries to ensure the sustainability of the projects.

At the same time, the challenges that emerged during the post-implementation period were analyzed, and solutions were identified to maintain the functionality of the infrastructure and fully capitalize on the investments made.

The total value of the six monitored investments amounts to MDL 124.1 million, funds allocated by the Government of the Republic of Moldova through the National Fund for Regional and Local Development and supplemented by contributions from the beneficiaries.

The projects are part of the Monitoring Plan for the Sustainability and Evaluation of Regional Development Projects for 2026.

Drinking water for thousands of people in Soroca District

Through two regional development projects, the Government of the Republic of Moldova has expanded and improved access to drinking water for thousands of residents of Soroca District. The investments, totaling MDL 76.6 million, were financed by the Government and co-financed by the beneficiary local public authorities.

Through the project „Water – a primary necessity for a quality life in the Northern Development Region”, implemented by ADR Nord between July 2022 and November 2023, a 30,500-meter-long main water pipeline was constructed, along with six reservoirs and nine water towers.

The investment, worth MDL 32.8 million, provides access to drinking water from the Dniester River for approximately 20,200 people in the localities of Volovița, Alexandru cel Bun, Vasilcău, Racovăț, Slobozia-Cremene, Slobozia-Vărăncău, as well as for the beneficiaries of the „La Dumbravă” summer camp, attended by approximately 1,500 children.

Investments in water supply infrastructure continued through the project „Construction of water supply systems in seven localities in Soroca District”, implemented by ADR Nord between January 2025 and June 2026.

Within the project, internal water distribution networks with a total length of more than 89,300 meters were constructed in the localities of Alexandru cel Bun, Vasilcău, Inundeni, Ruslanovca, Racovăț, Slobozia-Vărăncău and Slobozia-Cremene. Three water disinfection stations and one chlorination station, a water tower and electrical networks were also constructed, along with landscaping works.

The investment amounts to MDL 43.8 million, while the infrastructure created provides access to drinking water from the Dniester River for approximately 7,500 people in the seven beneficiary localities.

Modern infrastructure for business development

In Soroca municipality, Government and beneficiary investments in infrastructure designed to support the development of the business environment amount to approximately MDL 31.5 million.

Through the project „Start-up Hub Network: Entrepreneurship Laboratories in the Northern Development Region”, implemented by ADR Nord between June 2022 and June 2023, the Soroca Business Incubator building was renovated, modernized and made more energy efficient. The works covered a total area of approximately 1,500 square meters, while the necessary equipment for the project beneficiaries was subsequently purchased. The total value of the project amounts to approximately MDL 6.5 million.

The Start-up Hub Network in the Northern Development Region contributes to the development of entrepreneurship by providing modern workspaces and the resources necessary to launch and develop businesses. The project beneficiaries include the 21 residents of the Soroca Business Incubator, students from educational institutions in the municipality, thousands of residents and dozens of economic operators from the districts of Soroca, Florești, Drochia and Dondușeni.

Also in Soroca municipality, the project „Creation and development of technical and utility infrastructure for the Soroca subzone of the «Ungheni-Business» Free Economic Zone”, implemented by ADR Nord between March 2024 and April 2025, created conditions for the development of economic activities.

With an investment of approximately MDL 25 million, two access roads with a total length of 2,510 meters and an area of 6,909 square meters were constructed, along with a 3,938-meter-long gas pipeline and a 10 kV underground electrical cable line with a length of 3,000 meters.

The infrastructure created contributes to the development of the Soroca subzone of the „Ungheni-Business” FEZ and creates favorable conditions for attracting and expanding economic activities in the municipality and the region.

Better conditions for preschool education

Investments in urban revitalization have also contributed to improving conditions for children and the local community.

Through the project „New Educational Opportunities for Preschool Children in the Dealul Romilor Neighborhood, Soroca Municipality”, implemented by ADR Nord between March 2024 and February 2025, Early Education Institution No. 7 „Călina” in Soroca benefited from extensive renovation and modernization works.

The investment, worth approximately MDL 7.8 million, included the thermal insulation of exterior walls covering an area of 794.25 square meters, the reconstruction of the roof covering 681 square meters, and the installation of 90 photovoltaic panels. Windows and exterior doors were also replaced, interior renovation works were carried out, and a heating plant was constructed.

The project also included the modernization of electrical, water supply and sewerage networks, the heating and ventilation systems, as well as the installation of three new boilers.

The final beneficiaries of the investment are approximately 100 preschool children, including children of Roma origin, from the urban revitalization area of Soroca municipality, 23 teaching and non-teaching staff members of the institution, as well as approximately 10,000 residents of the Dealul Romilor area.

Cultural heritage brought to the forefront

The development of tourism and the valorization of cultural heritage represent another area in which significant investments have been made in Soroca municipality.

Through the project „Valorization of the Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Northern Development Region through the Rehabilitation of the Museum of History and Ethnography in Soroca Municipality”, implemented by ADR Nord between July 2022 and September 2023, the building of the „Nicolae Bulat” Museum of History and Ethnography underwent rehabilitation and modernization works.

The investment, worth approximately MDL 8.2 million, enabled the replacement of the roof, renovation of the interior and exterior walls, and restoration of the windows of the historic building. A multifunctional hall and an exhibition gallery were also constructed, while the surrounding spaces were improved.

To enhance the conditions for displaying and presenting the heritage, 50 exhibition showcases were installed inside the museum, contributing to increasing the institution’s attractiveness to visitors and promoting the historical and cultural heritage of Soroca municipality.

Post-implementation monitoring for sustainable investments

Based on the findings gathered during the field visits, ADR Nord will prepare post-implementation evaluation reports for each of the six monitored projects. The documents will include conclusions and recommendations regarding the functionality of the investments, the level of infrastructure use, and the measures required to strengthen their impact.

Post-implementation monitoring is an important instrument for assessing how public investments continue to generate benefits for communities even after the completion of projects.

Through these activities, ADR Nord monitors not only the condition of the infrastructure created, but also how it is used and maintained by the beneficiaries. Regular evaluation makes it possible to identify potential challenges at an early stage and develop solutions to preserve the results achieved.

Thus, investments made with the support of the Government of the Republic of Moldova and beneficiary communities continue to be monitored after the completion of the works, ensuring that the infrastructure created remains functional and generates sustainable benefits for the residents of the Northern Development Region.