Fishing on Ghidighici pond banned

The Government abrogated its decision allowing the amateurs to fish in the Ghidighici reservoir, which is public property, following its transfer to Moldova's Water Agency for private use, Info-Prim Neo reports. Since 1970, the lake had been used by the Hunters and Fishermen Society of Moldova. Under the Water Code adopted in 1993, the user is obliged to maintain the hydrotechnical installations and light and guard the pond. The Hunters and Fishermen Society of Moldova did not fulfill these obligations. Minister of the Environment Gheorghe Salaru said the Ghidighici reservoir has been exploited for over 50 years and the water regulation equipment is badly in need of repair. The cost of the works was estimated at 1.5 million lei. In 2006-2009, Moldova's Water Agency that is subordinate to the Ministry of the Environment incurred costs to practically the same value when paying for electricity, guard services and repair works. The minister stressed the main purpose of the reservoir is to regulate the flow of water on the Byk River so as to prevent the flooding of Chisinau. Irrigation and recreation are secondary purposes.