The enthusiasm was palpable during a recent opening ceremony in Porumbeni, where citizens had united to overcome a series of complex logistical and bureaucratic hurdles to improve their water system. The community accomplished a major renovation project to provide safe drinking water for 75 households, a kindergarten, and the local health center. The project, made possible through the USAID-funded, IREX-implemented Moldova Citizen Participation Program (CPP) [6], required building a water tower and 1,700 meters of water pipeline, as well as overcoming logistical problems.
The project required tireless research and advocacy on the part of the Community Initiative Group (CIG), a group set up as part of CPP and voted into leadership by the community. At the start of the initiative, CIG leader Sergiu Bruma convinced the current and former mayors to put aside their political differences and support the project. Once on board, the three leaders advocated and won the support of the regional council. Significant hurdles were encountered in consultations with the power company but with research and persistence, a deal was struck.
Through all this trouble, CIG members Pojoga Ana and Gribincea Liliana played key roles in keeping the community informed and energized. The community followed the issue closely, knowing much was at stake for their future well-being. As the events unfolded, the community as a whole learned about advocacy, government responsibility, and even technical legal codes guiding service regulations. Perhaps most importantly, the experience allowed the community to witness the positive effects of resilient community leaders fighting for their interests. This story serves as proof of citizens’ ability to make change in their communities. The community of Porumbeni is proud of their accomplishment, grateful for their clean water supply, and eager to make more improvements.
