Leova village upgraded with 28 million lei from European funding
The village of Filipeni, located in the Leova district, has become a true example of modernization. With significant support from the European Union and Western partners, the locality has attracted approximately 28 million lei in investments. The introduction of photovoltaic panels has reduced energy bills to zero, and tap water is now supplied directly from the Prut. These improvements have radically transformed the lives of the nearly 2,000 inhabitants.
One of the most significant projects undertaken in the community is the construction of an aqueduct network. Until 2021, residents relied on well water. Now, 965 households—100% of the community—are connected to a modern water network, financed by Germany for 1.2 million euros.
"It was difficult. We used to bring water from the well, heat it in kettles outside, and then pour it into the washing machine. Now, it's much easier for us; it’s a huge improvement!"
“We use tap water for washing clothes and for cooking, of course. Do you still use water from the well? Yes, we still use it for the animals and for drinking.”
Another investment was made at the "Fluturaș" kindergarten, which serves nearly 100 children. Until recently, electricity costs were a significant financial burden, with monthly bills exceeding 11,000 lei. The solution came from solar energy, thanks to the installation of 20 photovoltaic panels funded by the governments of Sweden and Norway. The total value of this project was approximately 1,000,000 lei.
Maria Botez, the director of the "Fluturaș" kindergarten, explained, "The most common expense was energy. We have an automatic washing machine and a clothes dryer that consume a lot of energy, especially during the winter. We also have an electric roller. We will monitor our expenses as we go along, but we hope to see a reduction."
Two million lei were invested in renovating the Culture House in the village. The old slate roof was replaced, and the building was thermally insulated to ensure thermal comfort at minimal costs. A total of two million lei was invested in the renovation of the Culture House in the village. The outdated slate roof has been replaced, and the building has been thermally insulated to ensure comfort while minimizing costs.
“The first phase of the project focused on the administrative block. We replaced the old slate roof with a modern metal tile roof. The second phase, which was the most costly, involved thermally insulating the entire roof and the floor area of the roof,” explained Tudor Camerzan, the mayor of Filipeni village.
At the Filipeni Gymnasium, students have the opportunity to learn in a modern environment. The institution has been equipped with 13 interactive panels and whiteboards, and a modern language laboratory has been established for English and French classes. These enhancements were made as part of the European Village I project, with a total investment exceeding one million lei.
“The need to implement this laboratory arose from the fact that lessons in these subjects should be as interactive as possible. This approach allows students to master the material at a much higher level, making the lessons more engaging than those relying solely on textbooks,” explains Valentin Lupu, the director of Filipeni Gymnasium.
“Now, it is much more interesting. Our English homework is assigned on computers, and we get to use the keyboard and mouse. Learning this way is far more engaging.”
“We belong to a generation that relies heavily on technology, making the learning process much easier.”
With almost 2,000 residents, Filipeni shows that effectively managed European funds can transform a Moldovan village into a locality with European living standards.
