EU-funded laundry eases hardship in rural Moldova
Dozens of residents in Tigheci, Leova district, facing hardship, can now access a free social laundry, thanks to European Union support.
Here, elderly residents, low-income families, and people with disabilities can wash and dry their clothes in clean and comfortable facilities. Residents say the service is a godsend, particularly for those without running water, sewage, or a washing machine.
Stepanida Carpenco is 89. She has no children and no one to help her. Her social worker, Valentina Postica, visits weekly to collect her laundry, wash it, and return it clean.
"She comes and gets them when they need washing," the elderly woman said. "She took them last week, too. I'm so grateful they look after us."
The news of the public laundry brought joy to siblings Ion Terguță and Emilia Campur, who live together. Emilia, 88, is bedridden, and her 79-year-old brother, Ion, cares for her. He says the new laundry is a lifesaver, as he used to wash everything by hand.
"I used to wash everything by hand, in a washing sink," Ion Terguță said. "This laundry service is a lifesaver. We drop off our clothes once a week. If they’re ready, I’ll pick them up myself; otherwise, the staff will deliver them."
"Thank you for your kindness, for visiting and helping me," Emilia Campur repeated. "We used to haul heated water to the tub, soak the clothes, and then hang them on the fence to dry. Even in the milder winter weather, it was a struggle – what else could we do?"
"The people we visit at home are eligible for the social laundry service," social worker Valentina Postica said. "We’ve registered them, and they’re so relieved it’s finally open. Many of them are frail and can barely get around."
The social laundry occupies a renovated space provided by the local council and is equipped with washing machines, dryers, and detergents. Along with the laundry service, there's a bathroom and a common room where people can meet and chat.
"We serve elderly residents with difficult family situations, as well as vulnerable families," says social laundry manager Natalia Dimitrov. "They come by every two weeks on a set schedule, and we also have a social gathering every other week. It's a chance for them to connect with each other. They're very happy with the service. It’s a well-thought-out project, and we’re glad to have jobs here."
"The laundry has four washing machines and a dryer," says washing machine operator Valentina Craciun. "We provide detergent, shampoo, and liquid soap for those using the bathroom. We load the machines, and the wash cycle takes a little over an hour. Then we bag up the clean clothes and give them back."
For locals, the lack of clean water is a major problem, making the laundry a vital resource.
"It’s a wonderful thing for us and the village," says Tigheci resident Feodora Guci. "The staff lets us know when to bring our clothes. We're so grateful. It's especially helpful for older folks like us who have trouble getting water since the wells dried up."
Besides helping vulnerable residents, the laundry has also created local jobs.
"There's not much work around here," says social worker Liuba Chetraru. "We have nine clients, and I pick up their laundry once or twice a week. We coordinate with the other staff to see when they're free. A bigger laundry would be even better, as water is still scarce."
The project cost €27,900, funded by the European Union, with contributions of 60,000 lei (~ €3,000) from the Tigheci council and 35,000 lei (~€2,000) in community donations. The council will cover ongoing water and electricity costs, according to the mayor.
"Disadvantaged families and older people are often left alone and need support," says Mayor Angela Crețu. "Our goal is to assist these residents and provide quality services. We plan to open a clothing bank and a soup kitchen. We have big plans and hope for continued support from the European Union so we can apply for more projects like this and help those who need it most. Our budgets are tight, so securing matching funds for these projects is a constant challenge."
Tigheci has over 2,300 residents, and this laundry is one of ten new facilities recently opened across Moldova. Similar projects have been implemented in Domulgeni, Izvoare, Viișoara, Corpaci, Șeptelici, Sălcuța, Ciuciuleni, Pârlița, Cărbuna, and Cimișlia.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
