Moldova’s Minister of Environment, Gheorghe Hajder, has publicly confirmed the presence of oily patches on the Dniester River for the first time.
Previously, official authorities in Chișinău had denied any contamination. However, after a video statement by MP Vasile Costiuc showing oil films and filters installed on the river in northern areas of the country, the head of the ministry issued an explanation of the situation.
In his video address, Hajder stated that petroleum products entered the water as early as spring during what he described as an “unprecedented flood.” According to him, part of the substances settled on riverbanks, vegetation, and calm sections of the river. Now, due to fluctuations in water levels, these residues are being washed back into the river and carried downstream.
The Environment Minister emphasized that the ministry continues to maintain filtration systems on the Dniester, as “even the slightest traces of oil are visible.” He estimated that the cleanup process could take several more weeks or even months. At the same time, he assured the public that water quality remains good and laboratory tests show no danger to consumers.
“I assure you: we are monitoring water quality, conducting laboratory tests, and they show that the water is of good quality, it is drinkable, and there is no danger. If the situation were to change, we would of course inform the public and intervene immediately. And yes, we will most likely have to continue working for several weeks, possibly months (if necessary), to ensure that even the smallest traces of oil are removed from the river,” said Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder.
Earlier, MP Vasile Costiuc visited the village of Unguri in the Ocnița district and recorded video footage showing an oil film and a strong smell of an unknown substance on the surface of the Dniester.
The lawmaker also pointed to filtration devices installed downstream from Otaci, demanding that the government disclose the origin of the “toxic patches.”
“What is this substance? What are you hiding?”
Costiuc asked Minister Hajder and the Prime Minister, accusing the authorities of withholding information.
Initially, Environment Minister Hajder dismissed Costiuc’s video as “bombastic” and urged him not to spread panic. However, after additional footage showing filters and visible oil slicks emerged, the minister effectively confirmed the lawmaker’s claims, acknowledging that the removal of petroleum residues will take a long time.
