House prices skyrocket in flood-stricken locations

The Construction and Territorial Development Minister, Vladimir Baldovici, says that, because of the exaggerated real estate prices, he cannot buy houses for the flood-stricken. “If earlier a house in Drepcauti or Criva could be bought with 3 - 4 thousand euros, now the sellers ask 20-30 thousand euros,” Baldovici said on Thursday at a news conference, Info-Prim Neo reports. “We won't allow speculations on the account of the flood-stricken. We will hinder those who want to make business in crisis situations,” the official said. He will propose the Government a draft decision establishing a price limit for the immovable in the flooded areas. The Construction Ministry will intervene into the general plans of localities to forbid, if needed, to build houses and risky areas. He will also propose that the real estate should be insured compulsorily. “No state in the world has the financial capacity to cover for all losses caused by natural calamities. We should learn lessons to be ready to face future possible calamities,” Baldovici said. The minister has rejected allegations that it would have pressed companies for hetting money. “They are aberrations, these rumors that the officials would have compelled companies to give by 1 million lei and that a company in which I would worked will be building the houses,” the minister said. 99 houses for the flood-affected victims have been bought up to now, and other 88 houses are negotiated. 57 houses are to be bought, including 55 in Briceni districts and 3 in Rascani district. 42 families are still waiting for a house. The people having contributed to remove the consequences of the floods will be exempted from the state tax to certify the contracts related to compensating the prejudices.