The Government of the Republic of Moldova endorsed the project agreement signed between the Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for the construction of a new penitentiary in Chisinau municipality, IPN reports.

Under the agreement, UNOPS will assumed the responsibilities related to the day-to-day implementation of the project, including procurement management, monitoring and technical supervision of the works, building quality and volume control, as well as risk management. The measures aim to accelerate the implementation of the project and ensure its quality and sustainability.

The Government's decision comes after a recent amendment to the Framework Loan Agreement concluded with the Council of Europe Development Bank. The amendment extends the project term until the end of 2028 and provides for the partial outsourcing of management to UNOPS - a partner with experience in managing complex infrastructure projects.

The construction of the new penitentiary is aimed at improving the detention conditions and align them with international standards. Also, the project will contribute to increasing safety, security and discipline, according to the Government's objectives of reforming the penitentiary system.

The agreement will be signed by Minister of Justice Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, through the mandate provided by the Government Decision. The draft will enter into force on the date of publication of the decision in the Official Gazette.