Chetrosu – a model of rural development through the "European Village" Program
The village of Chetrosu in the northern part of the country has become a prime example of how public investments can significantly transform rural life. The National Programme "European Village" has funded essential projects in the village, including improvements in public lighting, modernization of infrastructure, rehabilitation of educational institutions, and the enhancement of green spaces. Residents are optimistic about these positive changes.
After decades of darkness, the residents of Chetrosu are now enjoying a modern public lighting system, thanks to the 700,000 lei attraction through the “European Village” program. Evening walks have become safer, allowing emergency services to respond more quickly.
“Street lighting was installed. It is a great success and a significant achievement. People can now move around at night safely. We are very satisfied,” said a local official.
The installation of public lighting is just the beginning. Local authorities have also initiated the rehabilitation of the Culture House through the same program. This building hosts performances, meetings, and educational activities for people of all ages.
Another project is focused on modernizing the kindergarten. In a village where the birth rate remains constant, local authorities emphasize the necessity and strategic importance of investing in early education.
"The total cost of the project is approximately six million lei. We will be replacing the windows and roof, improving thermal insulation, repairing thresholds, paving, and enhancing playgrounds," mentioned Aliona Eșanu, the mayor of Chetrosu.
Improvements to kindergarten comfort, hygiene, and facilities provide children with a safe and pleasant environment and parents with confidence.
"We are proud of the renovations made in our kindergarten - the roof, the conditions inside, it's warm. Previously, it wasn't that warm; the children were dressed because it was cool. But now the children can stay in their T-shirts in the winter."
The road infrastructure has also been transformed:
"Because of muddy roads, we used to take the children to kindergarten on our backs; now we feel like we're in the city. We have clean roads throughout the village, there are no more muddy streets”.
“We had muddy roads up to our knees and it was challenging to get to school and work. We no longer wear sandals, but we take slippers”.
This improvement has also contributed to local economic development - transporters, traders and farmers now benefit from better market access. Similarly, local authorities managed to mobilize resources to transform community ideas into concrete projects.
“It is a project from the Government of the Republic of Moldova. It is called “Creating green areas with a silvo-therapeutic effect”. It is equipped with chairs, modern benches, a photovoltaic tree, where it is possible to surf the internet for free and charge phones. This project is worth over 3 million lei”, said the mayor of Chetrosu.
The village of Chetrosu has approximately five thousand inhabitants.
