Dispute over statement by infrastructure official
The Soroca granite quarry has invited state secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure Nicolai Mîndra to visit its facilities following his public statement that Moldova lacks crushed stone for asphalt production.
Speaking on the programme “Territory of Freedom”, Mîndra said that both bitumen and crushed stone used in road construction are not produced domestically and must be imported.
“Bitumen is not produced in Moldova, it is purchased. There is no crushed stone in Moldova for asphalt, it is also purchased. And despite having some of the worst roads in the region, we have some of the highest prices,” he said.
Quarry response and industry concerns
The management of the Soroca quarry, which has been producing granite and crushed stone for many years, disputed this claim. In a letter addressed to Dumitru Țîra, administrator of Realitatea Press Group, the company stated that such materials are available locally and meet European quality standards.
According to the letter, in recent years railway procurement has not prioritised local producers of inert materials. The company suggested that procurement decisions may not always favour domestic suppliers.
“The expert, who appears to represent more of a political organisation than a professional one, should be aware that crushed stone does exist in the republic,” the statement said.
The company has invited Mîndra to visit the site to review production and discuss the use of local materials.
Broader context of road conditions
The issue has emerged amid ongoing concerns about road quality across Moldova. During the winter months, reports and videos circulated showing deterioration of road surfaces in several cities, including Chișinău and Bălți.
In some cases, sections of road repaired in the previous year showed signs of damage after the winter season.
During the same discussion, references were also made to funding of the road sector, including the use of resources from the road fund.
Economist Octavian Tofilat, who also participated in the programme, commented on infrastructure and logistics aspects related to the supply of construction materials.
