“DAR 1+3”: Government, diaspora and city halls invest in development
The Government of the Republic of Moldova has allocated 10 million lei this year to fund 33 local development projects through the "Diaspora Home Succeeds DAR 1+3" program. The selected initiatives focus on modernizing infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, protecting the environment, enhancing education and culture, and providing social protection. The value of state grants for these projects ranges from 200,000 to 348,000 lei.
The authorities are counting on the contributions of the diaspora, local public administrations, and development partners to enhance the impact of investments in communities.
The “Diaspora Home Succeeds Program, DAR 1+3” involves cooperation among four partners: the Government of the Republic of Moldova, the Local Public Authority, the diaspora and residents, and the development partners, which are donors identified by the Local Public Authority. Diana Cucoș, a senior consultant within the Diaspora Relations Office (BRD), explained this in an interview for the “Zi de Zi” show on Radio Moldova.
Each partner contributes financially to the implementation of the projects. The Government can provide up to 350,000 lei for a project, while the local authority and the diaspora are required to contribute a portion of the total investment value.
“The Local Public Authority and the diaspora must contribute at least 10% of the total project budget, with no funding limit imposed on donors,” said the BRD representative.
To be eligible for the program, a project must have a total value of at least 400,000 lei. Under these conditions, the minimum combined contribution from the diaspora and local authorities is 40,000 lei. Diana Cucoș emphasized that past editions have shown the diaspora often contributes larger amounts than initially anticipated.
“If the funds from the diaspora exceed the planned amount at the time of project submission, city halls tend to either expand the planned works or carry out additional tasks related to the project. We have encountered such cases in every edition: for instance, they may extend a road section or purchase more playground equipment,” she noted.
The Government's contribution has both a percentage and a value limit. Financing from the state budget cannot exceed half of the project value.
“The maximum contribution is 50% of the project value, but cannot exceed 350,000 lei. For a project valued at, say, 1 million lei, the Government's funding would still be capped at 350,000 lei,” explained Diana Cucoș.
This year, most approved projects focus on modernizing local infrastructure. According to the BRD representative, of the 33 selected initiatives, 11 aim to modernize public buildings, seven are dedicated to repairing roads and pedestrian paths, and five focus on creating rest areas, sports fields, and playgrounds.
Since the program's launch in 2020, over 200 projects have been implemented. Data from the Diaspora Relations Office indicates that this mechanism has attracted significant investments from communities and external partners.
For this year’s edition, the authorities aim to complete all 33 projects by year-end to meet the needs of beneficiary communities.
Among the projects that will receive support from the program are the procurement of a multifunctional mini-tractor for the village of Cimișeni in the Criuleni district, the construction of a biomass boiler room at the gymnasium in Geamăna, Anenii Noi, the installation of solar panels at the “Prichindel” kindergarten in Sipoteni, Călărași, the development of a modern park with an outdoor stage in Bădragii Noi, the repair of the food block at the gymnasium in Bahmut, and the modernization of the infrastructure at the administrative and economic center in Copceac, ATO Gagauzia, through the rehabilitation of roads and the development of sidewalks.
Author: Natalia Mogâldea
