VIDEO // Three more dams to be installed on Dniester River; Moldovan environment minister says decision-makers take all necessary measures to have safe drinking water

Intervention teams will install three more dams to extract the oil substance from the waters of the Dniester River. The actions will be carried out with the support of partners from Romania. Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder made statements to this effect on March 13 evening, who was in the village of Unguri, northern Ocnita district.

According to the official, the source of pollution still exists, which requires additional measures to filter the water.

“I am in the village of Unguri, Ocnita district, near the border with Ukraine, where the water enters the territory of Moldova. We find that the source of pollution still exists; therefore, additional measures are necessary. Thus, with Romania’s support, we will install three more dams to extract the oil substance from the Dniester. We are taking all necessary measures to have safe drinking water,” said Gheorghe Hajder.

The authorities of Moldova on March 13 morning raised the alert level in the northern part of the country, after laboratory tests had showed exceedances of the admissible limits of certain pollutants in the waters of the Dniester River. Following the installation of filters, laboratory investigations late on March 13 found that the water quality had improved in the localities in the north of the country.

At the same time, the National Crisis Management Center on March 13 ruled to create a crisis unit made up of specialists from national institutions and experts from neighboring countries.

In addition, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu requested, through the Interior Ministry, the activation of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

The problem arose following a Russian attack on a hydropower plant in Ukraine. As a consequence, an oil substance reached the waters of the Dniester and continues to move along the river course.